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DATASHEET

D550 DIGITAL AVR


FOR ALTERNATORS WITH SHUNT,
AREP OR PMG EXCITATION

KEY FEATURES

• Regulation modes
- Voltage regulation accuracy:
-/+ 0.25%
- Field current (manual mode)
- Generator power factor
- Grid power factor
- Generator kVAr

• Regulation features
- Voltage equalization
- Droop management
- Cross current compensation
- Soft start
- Load Acceptance Module (L.A.M.)
function to assist during heavy load
application events
The D550 is a digital automatic voltage regulator (AVR) for alternators with - Negative field forcing
rated field current up to 8 A at 55°C.
• kW, kVAr, kVA & PF calculation
It offers a vast array of regulation modes suitable for all power generation
applications, including grid-connected configurations. • Protections & Limitations
- Under and over field current
The D550 also integrates a visual interface through the EasyReg Advanced limitation
software, which allows the user to read the configuration values and - Loss of field sensing
parameters. It can also be configured directly via USB without external power - Generator under/over voltage
supply. - Loss of sensing
- V/Hz regulation mode
The D550 also includes several protections and functions to keep the
- Diode fault monitor
alternator running in full safe operation, in particular settings to comply with
public network connection instructions (grid code). • Data logger (option)
The communication port is CANJ1939 compatible. • Synchronization monitoring
• Events log

D55 0 DI G I TA L AV R - REF. 5723en-2021.02 /c www.nidecgenerators.com


ELECTRIC FEATURES INPUTS / OUPUTS

• Generator voltage measurement • Excitation • 8 programmable digital inputs & outputs


- 3-phase, 2-phase - Rated field current (continuous): - Output specification: 150 mA - 30 VDC
- Range: 0-230-530 VAC 7 A at 70°C
- Consumption: < 2 VA 8 A at 55°C
• 4 programmable analog inputs & outputs
- 4-20 mA / ±10 V / 0-10 V / potentiometer (1 kΩ)
- Field forcing current (10s max):
• Grid voltage measurement 15 A at 70°C • 2 relay outputs
- 2-phase
- Recommended field resistance: - Specifications: 125 VAC - 5 A
- Range: 0-230-530 VAC
> 4 ohms
- Consumption: < 2 VA • 5 temperature sensings
• Generator current measurement • Auxiliary supply: 8-35 VDC - Type: Pt100/CTP
- Consumption: < 1 A - Programmable threshold
- 1 or 3-phase
- Secondary range: 1 or 5 A • Frequency range: 30-400 Hz
- Consumption: < 2 VA
• Storage temperature: -55°C +85°C
• AC supply input • Operating temperature: -40°C +70°C
- PMG, AREP, SHUNT COMMUNICATION & SETTINGS
- Range: 50-277 VAC
• Software configuration (PC tool)
• USB port (self powered)
• CAN J1939 and Proprietary
(Leroy-Somer protocol)

DIMENSIONS

175 mm / 6.89 inches 12.5 mm / 0.49 inches

12.5 mm / 0.49 inches


115 mm / 4.53 inches

Same footprint as Leroy-Somer D510C

© Nidec 2019. The information contained in this brochure is for guidance only and does not form part of any contract. The accuracy cannot be guaranteed as Nidec have an ongoing process of
development and reserve the right to change the specification of their products without notice.
Moteurs Leroy-Somer
Boulevard Marcellin Leroy - CS 10015
16915 Angoulême cedex 9 - France

T: +33 (0)5 45 64 45 64
www.leroy-somer.com

D550 FIRMWARE - VERSION 1.2.7


NOTE FOR GRID CODE APPLICATIONS

The information provided in this note apply specifically to D550 AVR used with a Grid Code certification.

As described in the document D550 firmware versioning for Grid Code (provided before certification),
Nidec Leroy-Somer has different levels of evolution in the embedded firmware depending on the
designated implementation.

In case of Grid Code certification, following the document recommendation, you have to write in the
certificate, AVR embedded firmware version : GC 1.

In accordance with this note, the D550 firmware version 1.2.7 has only an impact on the application part
and not on the Grid Code part of the Nidec Leroy-Somer software architecture.

The graphics below provide records which compare systems behaviours between the two versions of the
firmware.

- Excitation current regulation setpoint change steps

Moteurs Leroy-Somer
Siege social : Boulevard Marcellin Leroy CS 10015 - 16915 Angoulême cedex 9 - France
SAS au capital de 38 679 664 € - RCS Angoulême 338 567 258

Ref 5958 en - 2021.01 / a


Moteurs Leroy-Somer
Boulevard Marcellin Leroy - CS 10015
16915 Angoulême cedex 9 - France

T: +33 (0)5 45 64 45 64
www.leroy-somer.com
- Voltage regulation setpoint change steps

- Voltage regulation transient tests (load impact and rejection)

Moteurs Leroy-Somer
Siege social : Boulevard Marcellin Leroy CS 10015 - 16915 Angoulême cedex 9 - France
SAS au capital de 38 679 664 € - RCS Angoulême 338 567 258

Ref 5958 en - 2021.01 / a


Moteurs Leroy-Somer
Boulevard Marcellin Leroy - CS 10015
16915 Angoulême cedex 9 - France

T: +33 (0)5 45 64 45 64
www.leroy-somer.com
- Reactive power regulation setpoint change steps.

Moteurs Leroy-Somer
Siege social : Boulevard Marcellin Leroy CS 10015 - 16915 Angoulême cedex 9 - France
SAS au capital de 38 679 664 € - RCS Angoulême 338 567 258

Ref 5958 en - 2021.01 / a


D550

Digital voltage regulator


Installation and maintenance
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Digital voltage regulator D550


This manual concerns the alternator AVR which you have just purchased.
We wish to draw your attention to the contents of this maintenance manual.

SAFETY MEASURES WARNING


This AVR can be incorporated in a EC-marked
Before using your machine for the first time, it is machine.
important to read the whole of this installation and This manual is to be given to the end user.
maintenance manual.

All necessary operations and interventions on this © - We reserve the right to modify the characteristics
machine must be performed by a qualified of this product at any time in order to incorporate
technician. the latest technological developments. The
information contained in this document may
Our technical support service will be pleased to therefore be changed without notice.
provide any additional information you may require.
This document may not be reproduced in any form
The various operations described in this manual without prior authorisation.
are accompanied by recommendations or symbols All brands and models have been registered and
to alert the user to potential risks of accidents. It is patents applied for.
vital that you understand and take notice of the fol-
lowing warning symbols.

WARNING

Warning symbol for an operation capable of


damaging or destroying the machine or
surrounding equipment.

Warning symbol for general danger to


personnel.

Warning symbol for electrical danger to


personnel.

All servicing or repair operations performed on


the AVR should be undertaken by personnel
trained in the commissioning, servicing and
maintenance of electrical and mechanical com-
ponents.

When the generator is driven at a frequency


below 28 Hz for more than 30 seconds with an
analogue AVR, its AC power supply must be
disconnected.
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Table of contents
0. TERMS AND EXPRESSIONS.............................................................................................................................6
1. General Instructions ..............................................................................................................................................7
1.1. Identity sheet...................................................................................................................................................7
1.2. General overview of the product ..................................................................................................................7
1.3. Technical characteristics ...............................................................................................................................8
1.3.1. Component ..............................................................................................................................................8
1.3.2. Operating values .....................................................................................................................................9
1.4. Safety devices and general warning symbols .........................................................................................12
1.5. General information .....................................................................................................................................13
1.6. Use .................................................................................................................................................................13
1.7. Transportation and storage ........................................................................................................................13
1.8. Installation .....................................................................................................................................................13
1.9. Electrical connection ....................................................................................................................................14
1.10. Operation.....................................................................................................................................................14
1.11. Service and maintenance .........................................................................................................................14
1.12. Protection of component ...........................................................................................................................14
2. Mounting and connection instructions ..............................................................................................................15
2.1. Layout of the space housing the AVR.......................................................................................................15
2.2. Warning symbols for the installation .........................................................................................................15
2.3. Connections ..................................................................................................................................................16
2.4. Wiring precautions .......................................................................................................................................25
3. Description of operating running modes ..........................................................................................................26
3.1. Regulation modes ........................................................................................................................................26
3.2. Control of modes and information .............................................................................................................29
3.3. Protection functions .....................................................................................................................................29
3.4. Related functions..........................................................................................................................................29
4. Communication ....................................................................................................................................................29
4.1. USB ................................................................................................................................................................29
4.2. CAN ................................................................................................................................................................30
4.3. LED.................................................................................................................................................................30
5. Setting instructions ..............................................................................................................................................31
5.1. PC Software ..................................................................................................................................................31
5.1.1. Software Installation .............................................................................................................................31
5.1.2. Different access levels of Easyreg Advanced ..................................................................................33
5.1.3. Description of the banner and tabs ....................................................................................................34
5.1.4. Communication with the D550 ............................................................................................................36
5.1.5. Description of the “Configuration” window ........................................................................................36
5.1.6. “Oscilloscope” window .........................................................................................................................42
5.1.6.1. Curves ............................................................................................................................42
5.1.6.2. Trigger ............................................................................................................................44
5.1.6.3. Cursors ...........................................................................................................................45
5.1.6.4. Transient test ..................................................................................................................46
5.1.6.5. Open a curve or an oscilloscope display configuration ....................................................47
5.1.6.6. Save a curve or an oscilloscope display configuration .....................................................47

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5.1.6.7. Change the background of the grid plotting area and the thickness of the curves ...........47
5.1.7. “Monitor” window ...................................................................................................................................48
5.1.7.1. Display units....................................................................................................................48
5.1.7.2. Graph ..............................................................................................................................49
5.1.7.3. Gauges ...........................................................................................................................49
5.1.7.4. Capability curve...............................................................................................................50
5.1.7.5. I/O ...................................................................................................................................50
5.1.7.6. Temperatures..................................................................................................................51
5.1.7.7. Synchronization ..............................................................................................................51
5.1.7.8. AVR status and faults ......................................................................................................51
5.1.7.9. Fresnel diagram ..............................................................................................................52
5.1.7.10. CT phase shift ...............................................................................................................52
5.1.7.11. Change the size of an object .........................................................................................52
5.1.7.12. Delete an object ............................................................................................................53
5.1.7.13. Save a monitor configuration .........................................................................................53
5.1.7.14. Open a monitor configuration ........................................................................................54
5.2. Create a new configuration .........................................................................................................................54
5.2.1. Description of the “quick” alternator configuration ...........................................................................55
5.2.2. Description of the “advanced” alternator configuration ...................................................................56
5.2.3. AVR wiring .............................................................................................................................................57
5.2.4. Capability curve limit ............................................................................................................................60
5.2.5. Definition of the over excitation limit ..................................................................................................61
5.2.6. Definition of the stator current limit.....................................................................................................61
5.2.7. Definition of the protection functions ..................................................................................................63
5.2.8. Regulation mode ...................................................................................................................................68
5.2.8.1. Starting ...........................................................................................................................68
5.2.8.2. Voltage regulation ...........................................................................................................71
5.2.8.3. Voltage matching circuit ..................................................................................................75
5.2.8.4. Regulation of the generator power factor ........................................................................76
5.2.8.5. Regulation of generator kVAr ..........................................................................................78
5.2.8.6. Regulation of power factor at one point of the grid ..........................................................80
5.2.8.7. Regulation of the field current (manual mode) .................................................................82
5.2.9. Setting the PID gains............................................................................................................................84
5.2.10. I/O management .................................................................................................................................85
5.2.11. Curve functions ...................................................................................................................................86
5.2.11.1. Overview .......................................................................................................................86
5.2.11.2. Examples curve functions .............................................................................................87
5.2.12. User PID gain ......................................................................................................................................87
5.2.13. Logic/analog gates .............................................................................................................................87
5.2.13.1. Overview .......................................................................................................................87
5.2.13.2. Examples of gate programming.....................................................................................90
5.2.14. Log event .............................................................................................................................................92
5.2.15. Second configuration .........................................................................................................................93
5.2.16. Synchronization ..................................................................................................................................94
5.2.17. Grid code..............................................................................................................................................96
5.2.17.1. Voltage support .............................................................................................................96
5.2.17.2. Grid code profile monitoring ..........................................................................................97
5.2.17.3. Stator current monitoring ...............................................................................................98
5.2.17.4. Pole slipping monitoring ................................................................................................98
5.3. Comparison window ....................................................................................................................................99
5.4. Print reports.................................................................................................................................................100
5.5. Excel Export ................................................................................................................................................100

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6. Maintenance instructions..................................................................................................................................102
6.1. Warning symbols for maintenance ..........................................................................................................102
6.2. Preventive maintenance instructions ......................................................................................................102
6.3. Anomalies and incidents ...........................................................................................................................102
6.4. Replacing a faulty AVR .............................................................................................................................104
7. Recycling instructions .......................................................................................................................................105
8. APPENDIX .........................................................................................................................................................106
8.1. Vector permutations...................................................................................................................................106
8.2. AVR regulation mode priority ...................................................................................................................108

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0. TERMS AND EXPRESSIONS

VT Voltage transformer, in this manual a voltage transformer is used both for the power
supply and for measuring the voltage.

CT Current transformer, used for measuring the current.

PMG Permanent Magnet Generator.

AREP Auxiliary windings installed in the machine which are used to supply the AVR with power.
They often consist of 2 windings: the first “H1” which is affected by voltage variations, the
second “H3” which is affected by current variations.

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1. General Instructions
1.1. Identity sheet
The D550 AVR has been manufactured by

MOTEURS LEROY-SOMER
Boulevard Marcellin Leroy, CS 10015
16915 ANGOULEME Cedex 9
France
Tel: +33 2 38 62 40 00

LEROY-SOMER reference: 40041384

1.2. General overview of the product


This manual describes how to install, use, set up and maintain the D550 AVR.

The purpose of this AVR is to regulate alternators with a field current of less than or equal to 7A in
continuous operations, and 15A maximum in the event of short-circuit for 10 seconds maximum.1

It is designed for mounting in a generator terminal box or a control cabinet. It must be installed in
compliance with local protection and safety standards, especially those specific to electrical
installations with a maximum voltage of 300VAC phase/neutral.

It takes the form of a compact unit with a set of connectors and USB on the front.

1These values are given for a temperature of 70°C. See the detailed technical specification for the full range of
values.

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The D550 AVR consists of several function blocks:

• A power bridge (that supplies the field current)


• A measuring circuit for the various signals such as voltages, currents
• A set of digital and analog I/O: for control of regulation modes, operating information, correcting
references
• A set of connectors
• A set of communication modes for dialogue and remote parameter-setting

Various additional features are integrated in the D550:

• 5 measurement inputs for Pt100 or CTP temperature sensors


• 1 incremental encoder input for the rotor angular position with Easy Log PS option
• 1 CAN BUS connector
• 1 USB connector

1.3. Technical characteristics


1.3.1. Component
The D550 AVR is a digital voltage regulator used to control the alternator field current using
separate control loops. The regulation mode is managed either by parameter-setting, or via the
D550 digital inputs or via the communication mode.

These regulation modes are:

• Voltage regulation
• With or without quadrature droop to allow parallel machine operation (1F)
• With or without cross-current compensation
• With or without load compensation2
• Matching of the machine voltage and grid voltage prior to connection to a grid (called “3F” or
“U=U”)
• Power factor regulation, only when the alternator is connected to a grid (2F)
• Reactive power (kVAr) regulation, only when the alternator is connected to a grid
• Regulation of cos phi at the installation delivery point within the drive system capacity, from an
analog input (remote measurement mode by a converter supplied by the customer) or by
directly calculating the power factor at the delivery point.3
• Regulation of the field current, or manual mode, which allows direct control of the field current
value

2 Quadrature droop, cross-current and load compensation cannot be enabled at the same time and require the use
of a current transformer. Cross current requires the use of an additional CT.
3 Obligation to have the Grid code VTs and Grid code current measurement CT placed at the delivery point and wired

on the D550.

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The D550 can also be used to:

• Adjust the reference for the regulation mode in progress, using:


• up/down volt-free contacts
• an analog input (4-20 mA, 0-10V, ±10V, potentiometer 1kΩ)
• Monitor 5 temperature sensors (Pt100 or CTP)
• Limit the minimum field current delivered to the exciter field
• Limit the maximum stator current
• Detect loss of phase
• Withstand a sudden short-circuit for 10 seconds maximum in AREP or PMG
• Protect the alternator in the event of a rotating diode failure
• Monitor (trips) and support electrical networks (Grid Code)
• Monitor and log events (faults, limits, etc.)
• Record signals (oscilloscope feature with the utility SW)
• Define a user interface screen with measurement indicators and states (monitor function)

The various data items of faults, regulation modes or measurements can be delivered to the 8
digital configurable outputs and/or 4 analog configurable outputs (4-20 mA, 0-10 V, ±10 V).

1.3.2. Operating values


• Alternator voltage measurement:
• 2 phases or 3 phases 530VAC rms max.
• Consumption < 2VA

• Grid code voltage measurement:


• 2 phases 530VAC rms max.
• Consumption < 2VA

• Stator current measurement by CT:


• 1 or 3 phases
• Range 0-1A or 0-5A (300 % max. 30s)
• Consumption < 2VA

• AC power supply:
• 4 terminals for PMG, AREP, SHUNT
• 2 independent circuits
• Range 50-277VAC (115 % max. 2 minutes)
• Max. consumption < 3000VA

• Field excitation:
• Rated 7A at 70°C max. – 8A at 55°C
• Short-circuit 15A max. for 10 seconds
• Field winding resistance > 4 ohms

• DC auxiliary supply:
• Range 8-35VDC (rated power: 12V or 24V)
• Consumption < 1A

• Frequency measurement:
• Range 30-400 Hz

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• Regulation accuracy:
• +/-0.25% of the average of the three phases with harmonic distortion less than 20%
• +/-0.5% of the average of the three phases with harmonic distortion from 20% up to 40%
(harmonics associated to six-thyristors load type)

• Voltage adjustment range: 0 to 150% of the rated voltage (can be controlled via internal
setpoint, volt-free contacts, analog input or CANBUS)

• Quadrature droop adjustment range: -20% to 20%

• Under frequency protection: threshold adjustable in increments of 0.1 Hz, adjustable slope k
x V/Hz where 0.5<k<5

• Assistance with load reconnection for the prime mover: LAM, gradual increase, etc.

• Excitation ceiling: limiting via thermal model adjustable by configuration at 3 points

• Environment: mounted in a cabinet or terminal box


• Operating conditions: ambient temperatures from -40°C to +70°C, relative humidity less than
95%, non-condensing
• Storage conditions: ambient temperatures from -55°C to +85°C, relative humidity less than
95%, non-condensing
• Vibration: 2.0 Hz to 25 Hz – amplitude ±1.6 mm; 25 Hz to 100 Hz – acceleration ± 4.0 g

• Weight: 850g

• AVR parameters: set using software EasyReg Advanced (available for download) or via the
CANBUS communication interface

• Conformity to standards:
• EMC: IEC 61000-6-2, IEC 61000-6-4
• Safety: IEC 61010-1 (CAT III, Pol.2)
• Environment: IEC 60068-1
• Dry heat: IEC 60068-2-2
• Damp heat: IEC 60028-2-30 and IEC 60068-2-78
• Cold: IEC 60068-2-1
• Thermal cycling: IEC 60068-2-14
• Vibration, shock: IEC 60068-2-6 and IEC 60068-2-27

• Approvals:
• UL(USA, Canada), EC

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• Dimensions:

When mounting the AVR in a cabinet, it must be positioned to allow air to circulate freely in
the heatsink and around the product. It is therefore recommended that the AVR is mounted
horizontally at the base of the cabinet so that the heatsink is positioned vertically.

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1.4. Safety devices and general warning symbols
For the user’s own safety, the D550 must be connected to an approved earth using the earth terminal
shown below. The tooling for this connection is not included with the D550. The terminal is an M4
female terminal. A tightening torque of 1.2 N.m +/-0.2 N.m must be applied to the screw.

Note: All the 0V terminals on the electronic control board are connected to this earth terminal.

It is essential to comply with the power connection diagrams recommended in this manual.

The D550 includes devices which, in the event of problems, can de-energize or over excite the
generator. The generator itself can also become jammed for mechanical reasons. Finally, voltage
fluctuations or power cuts may also cause the unit to stop.

The D550 is designed to be integrated in an installation or electrical machine and can under no
circumstances be considered of the safety device. It is therefore the responsibility of the machine
manufacturer, the designer of the installation or the user to take all necessary precautions to ensure
that the system complies with current standards, and to provide any devices required to ensure the
safety of the equipment and personnel (especially direct contact with connectors when the AVR is
running).

LEROY-SOMER declines all responsibility in the event of the above recommendations not being
observed.

The various interventions described in this manual are accompanied by recommendations or symbols
to alert the user to potential risks of accidents. It is vital that you understand and comply with the
various warning symbols below.

• Throughout the manual, this symbol warns against consequences which may arise from
inappropriate use of the AVR, since electrical risks may lead to material or physical damage as
well as constituting a fire hazard.

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• This symbol warns of electrical danger to personnel:

1.5. General information


The D550 AVR may contain unprotected live parts, as well as hot surfaces, during operation.
Unjustified removal of protection devices, incorrect use, faulty installation or inappropriate operation
could represent a serious risk to personnel and equipment.
For further information, consult technical support.
All work relating to transportation, installation, commissioning and maintenance must be performed by
experienced, qualified personnel (see IEC 364, CENELEC HD 384 or DIN VDE 0100, as well as
national specifications for installation and accident prevention).
In these basic safety instructions, qualified personnel means persons competent to install, mount,
commission and operate the product and possessing the relevant qualifications.
1.6. Use
D550 voltage regulators are components designed for integration in installations or electrical
machines.
When integrated in a machine, commissioning must not take place until it has been verified that the
machine complies with directive 2006/42/EC (Machinery Directive). It is also necessary to comply with
standard EN 60204, which stipulates in particular that electrical actuators (which include voltage
regulators) cannot be considered as circuit-breaking devices and certainly not as isolating switches.
Commissioning can take place only if the requirements of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
(EMC 2014/30/EU) are met.
The voltage regulators meet the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. The
harmonized standards of the DIN VDE 0160 series in connection with standard VDE 0660, part 500
and EN 60146/VDE 0558 are also applicable.
The technical characteristics and instructions concerning the connection conditions specified on the
nameplate and in the documentation provided must be observed without fail.
1.7. Transportation and storage
All instructions concerning transportation, storage and correct handling must be observed.
The climatic conditions specified in this manual must be observed.
1.8. Installation
The installation and cooling of equipment must comply with the specifications in the documentation
supplied with the product.
The D550 must be protected against excessive stress. In particular, there must be no damage to
parts and/or modification of the clearance between components during transportation and handling.
Avoid touching the electronic components and any live parts.
The D550 contains parts which are sensitive to electrostatic stress and may be easily damaged if
handled incorrectly. Electrical components must not be exposed to mechanical damage or destruction
(risks to health!). Consult technical support if you have any doubts concerning the product.

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1.9. Electrical connection
When work is performed on D550s which are powered up, national accident prevention specifications
must be respected.

The electrical installation must comply with the relevant specifications (for example conductor cross-
sections, protection via fused circuit-breaker, or/and connection of protective conductor). More
detailed information is given in this manual.

Instructions for an installation which meets the requirements for electromagnetic compatibility, such
as screening, earthing, presence of filters and correct insertion of cables and conductors, are also
given in this manual. These instructions must be followed in all cases, even if the AVR carries the CE
mark. Adherence to the limits given in the EMC legislation is the responsibility of the manufacturer of
the installation or the machine.

For EU application: Instrument transformers shall provide basic insulation according to the
requirements of IEC 61869-1, “ Instrument transformers – Part 1: General requirements “ and IEC
61869-2, “ Additional requirements for current transformers"
For US application: Instrument transformers shall provide basic insulation according to the
requirements of IEEE C57.13, “Requirements for Instrument Transformers,” and IEEE C57.13.2,
“Conformance Test Procedure for Instrument Transformers."
1.10. Operation
Installations incorporating D550s must be fitted with additional protection and monitoring devices as
laid down in the current relevant safety regulations: law on technical equipment, accident prevention
regulations, etc. Modifications to the D550 parameters using control software are permitted.
Active parts of the device and live power connections must not be touched immediately after the D550
is powered down, as the capacitors may still be charged. In view of this, the warnings fixed to the
voltage regulators must be observed.
During operation, all doors and protective covers must be kept closed.
1.11. Service and maintenance
Refer to the manufacturer’s documentation.
Our technical support service will be pleased to provide you with any additional information you may
require.
This manual is to be given to the end user.
1.12. Protection of component
The AVR auxiliary power supply, which sources the product’s internal power supplies, is essential for
AVR operation. It must be protected by a 1A fast-acting fuse (Mersen 250FA 1A- E76491 or
equivalent).

Similarly, the AVR AC power supplies, which generate the field current, must be protected by CC
class fast-blow fuses (15A max.) or a listed circuit-breaker (10A max.).

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2. Mounting and connection instructions
2.1. Layout of the space housing the AVR

• Dimensions: see page 11

Four M5 or M6 screws are used to fix the AVR in position. These screws must be tightened to the
rated torque of 2.5 Nm.

• Drill hole distances:


• Height: 175 mm
• Width: 115 mm
• Diameter: 6 mm max.

The product has to be placed with enough space around the heat sink in order to have sufficient
cooling.

When mounting the AVR in a cabinet, it must be positioned to allow air to


circulate freely in the heatsink and around the product. It is therefore
recommended that the AVR is mounted horizontally at the base of the cabinet so
that the heatsink is positioned vertically.

Ventilation, cooling or even heating system may be needed to keep the AVR within the environmental
limits described earlier.

Note: If you wish to integrate components which do not comply with the above minimum
prerequisites, please consult technical support.

2.2. Warning symbols for the installation


See section 1.4.

While the AVR is running, do not unplug any connectors or make any wiring
modifications, as this may lead to electric shock and/or destruction of the AVR
and/or damage to the alternator.

The same goes for modifications to the main alternator settings, such as: machine
data, voltage and current measurement transformer wiring, upper or lower
reference limits, starting control, etc., which must be made when the alternator
stopped.

The D550 operating ranges must always be adhered to. Changing the settings to inappropriate
voltages or currents may cause partial or total destruction of the AVR and/or alternator.

The power input must be protected by a circuit-breaker or fuses in order to avoid irreparable damage
to the AVR in the event of short-circuit or voltage surge. See section 1.12.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


2.3. Connections
The D550 must be connected to the various measurement, power and control signals to be able to
perform its regulation functions:

• Alternator voltage measurement:

Figure 1: voltage sensing connection

Voltage transformers are mandatory if the alternator voltage measurement is higher than 480 VAC
rms phase-to-phase (686 VAC rms maximum for 10 seconds).

Connection Electrical schematic

OR
Phase/Phase
U

W
W
U

N
V

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Digital voltage regulator D550


Connection Electrical schematic

3-Phase

Note: The software configuration for the alternator voltage and current measurement
connections must be consistent with the wiring diagram on the alternator. If there is only one
current transformer, it should be mounted on phase U or V. If this wiring is not complied with,
the resulting power and power factor calculations will be incorrect. It also depends on the
direction of rotation. If necessary, see the appendix for examples of vector permutations.
For greater accuracy, there are 2 possible measurement ranges (configured automatically according
to the measured voltage):
Measurement ranges
Low range 110 VAC RMS Max
High range 530 VAV RMS Max

• Grid voltage measurement:

Figure 2: Grid voltage sensing connection

Voltage transformers are mandatory if the grid voltage measurement is higher than 480VAC rms
phase-to-phase (686VAC rms maximum for 10 seconds).

Connection Electrical schematic

Phase/Phase

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• Temperature measurement inputs

Each of the inputs can be configured as:

• PT100
• CTP Alternator with 1 temperature sensor
• CTP Alternator with 3 temperature sensors in series
• CTP User (configurable)

Figure 3: Temperature sensor connections

PT100:

Only 2-wire Pt100 temperature sensors can be connected. If using 3- or 4-wire temperature
sensors, the compensation wires must be connected to their equivalent measurement wires:

Connection Electrical schematic

Without compensation

The measurement range for these temperature sensor inputs is between -50°C and 250°C. For
each connected sensor, two thresholds can be defined: the alarm threshold and the trip threshold.

CTP:

Only 2-wire resistance temperature sensors can be connected.

The measurement range for these inputs is between 130Ω and 4700Ω. A single threshold - the trip
threshold - can be defined for each connected sensor.

CAUTION: The temperature inputs are non-isolated and referenced to the product the ground.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• Inputs/outputs and relay:
- 4 configurable analog inputs or outputs
- 8 configurable digital inputs or outputs
- 2 relay outputs with normally open volt-free contacts

Figure 4: Inputs/outputs connection

• Analog inputs mode:

Each analog input can be configured with several modes:

Connection Electrical schematic

Potentiometer

4-20mA
+/-10V
0/+10V

Each input is defined by a destination parameter and its signal type (potentiometer, 4-20mA, ±10V,
0/10V) and by its minimum and maximum limits. The 10V is only present on the terminal block to give
a voltage reference or when using potentiometers with values higher than 1kΩ configured in 0-10V
mode with a 3-wire connection.

CAUTION: The analog inputs are non-isolated. The 0V is referenced to the product earth.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• Analog outputs mode:
Each analog output can be configured with several modes:

Connection Electrical schematic

4-20mA
+/-10V
0/+10V

Each output is defined by a source parameter and its signal type (4-20mA, ±10V, 0/10V) and by
its minimum and maximum limits.

CAUTION: The analog outputs are non-isolated. The 0V is referenced to the product
earth.

• Digital outputs:
Each digital output has a MOSFET transistor with open drain. They can each support a maximum
voltage of 30VDC and a maximum current of 150mA.

Connection Electrical schematic

Digital output

They are configured by a source parameter (alarm, regulation mode in progress, etc.) and their
activation mode: normally open (active low) or normally closed (active high).

CAUTION: The digital outputs are non-isolated. The 0V is referenced to the product earth.
Watch out for the risk of reversed polarity on the voltage which could cause the output to
break.

• Digital inputs:
Each digital input should be controlled by a volt-free contact.

Connection Electrical schematic

Digital input

They are configured by a destination parameter (control of a regulation mode, starting, etc.) and their
activation mode: normally open (active low) or normally closed (active high).

CAUTION: The digital inputs are non-isolated. The 0V is referenced to the product earth.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• Relay outputs:

The relay outputs are volt-free contacts, isolated from the product earth. They can withstand a
maximum voltage of 125VAC-5A or 30VDC-3A maximum.
The maximum transient load power of the relay is 90W/1290VA.

Connection Electrical schematic

Relay output

They are configured by a source parameter (alarm, regulation mode in progress, etc.) and their
activation mode: normally open (active low) or normally closed (active high).

• Auxiliary power supply in DC voltage:

The auxiliary power supply is used to produce the voltages needed for the AVR measurement, control
and monitoring circuits. The permitted voltage range is 8VDC to 35VDC. The recommended supply
voltages are 12VDC to 14VDC or 24VDC to28 VDC.

Connection Electrical schematic

Auxiliary power supply

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• AC Power supply:

The D550 power stage can take several different source types: SHUNT, PMG, AREP, or external
power supply. This stage consists of rectifier diodes as in the electrical schematic below.

Note: According power supply, a suitable capacitor preloading system will be implemented to
avoid damaging them. Total capacitor value: 940 µF. Maximum preloading current: 2 A

The maximum power supply voltage is 300 VAC between each of the connection points X1, X2, Z1,
Z2. For applications in the USA, this power input must be protected by class CC fuses (15 A max.) or
an inverse time circuit-breaker (10 A max.).

Connection Electrical schematic

AREP

PMG

Phase/neutral SHUNT
(low voltage)

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• Exciter Field:

Connection Electrical schematic

Exciter Field : F+ F-

• Alternator current measurement (parallel operation CT):

The alternator current can be measured on 1 phase or 3 phases. When mounting a single CT, it can
be mounted on phase U or phase V.

Connection Electrical schematic

With one CT per phase

P1 S1
S1
IU
P2
S2
S2

S1
IV
With only one CT S2

S1
IW
S2
W
U

N
V

OR

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• Alternator current measurement for the “cross current compensation” function:

For cross current compensation, the measurement inputs from the parallel operation CT
(if connected) and the cross current CT are fixed:
• The parallel operation CT must be mounted on phase U.
• The cross current CT must be mounted on phase V.

Connection Electrical schematic

P1 S1
S1
IU
S2
Alternator current P2 S2

measurement CT P1 S1
(mounted on phase U) S1
and cross current IV
S2
measurement CT P2 S2

(mounted on phase V)
S1
IW
S2
W
U

N
V

The loop wiring between the alternators must respect the diagram below (example for x alternators
equipped with D550).456

Connection Electrical schematic

Principle of cross current

4 If the machine is not operating, contact K must be closed. It must be open if the machine is operating.
5 The differential current loop does not allow power ratings to be calculated on the D550. If this kind of
measurement is essential for the application to operate correctly, an additional CT must be connected to the
alternator current measurement input.
6 1 ohm resistors must be connected to the cross current input on each AVR.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• Grid current measurement for “power factor regulation at the delivery point” or “grid code”:
For power factor regulation at the delivery point, or for grid code, the measurement inputs from the
parallel operation CT and the grid current measurement CT are fixed:
• The parallel operation CT must be mounted on phase U.
• The grid current measurement CT must be mounted on phase V.

Connection Electrical schematic

Alternator current
measurement CT
(mounted on phase U)
and grid current
measurement CT
(mounted on phase V)

Note: If the CTs are not installed on the phases indicated, it will be possible to change the
phase angle in the configuration.

2.4. Wiring precautions


Cables must never exceed 100 m in length.
To ensure respect of standards IEC 61000-6-2, IEC 61000-6-4, IEC 60255-26, shielded cables are
imperative in case of a D550 installed outside of the terminal box.
The total ohmic value of the exciter loop (out and back) must not exceed 5% of the exciter resistance,
regardless of the cable length.
The total ohmic value of the power system cables must not exceed 5% of the exciter resistance,
regardless of the cable length.

For information, the resistance at 20°C in m/m for copper cables is approximately:
Cross-section (mm²) Resistance (m/m)
1.5 13.3
2.5 7.98
4 4.95
6 3.3
10 1.91
Calculation example:
For a 10 exciter
• Maximum cable resistance = 0.5 (2 x 0.25)
• Cross-section as a function of the distance between the AVR and the alternator:
Distance (m) Cross-section (mm²)
30 2.5
50 4
75 6
100 10

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Digital voltage regulator D550


3. Description of operating running modes
3.1. Regulation modes
The various regulation modes to be configured depend on the alternator operation (standalone,
parallel between machines, parallel with the grid). Based on these different operating modes, certain
regulation modes will need to be enabled (some of which are strongly recommended, or even
mandatory, and others optional).7 The simplest examples are shown below:

• Example no. 1: The alternator is only connected to a load (factory, lighting, pump, etc.)

Load

G D550

• The AVR is operating in voltage regulation mode only.

• There is no need to measure the alternator current. In this example, no power rating can be
indicated, and the stator current limit cannot be enabled, nor load compensation nor
quadrature droop.

• Field current regulation is optional. In this case, the reference must be permanently set so
that it matches the existing load and will not risk any damage to the load or the machine (risk
of overvoltage or under voltage and risk of over excitation).

7 The following schematics are given for information only, they do not take into account any step-up transformers or
voltage sensing transformers. The presence of a transformer for measuring the alternator current is however
indicated depending on the regulation mode.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• Example no. 2: The alternator is connected to other alternators and a load (factory,
lighting, pump, etc.).

Load

G D550 G D550 G D550

• The AVR is operating in voltage regulation mode only.

• In order to divide the load reactive power equally between all the machines which are
running, select one of the two following modes:
• Quadrature droop: voltage drop according to the percentage of rated reactive load applied
to the machine. In this case, alternator current measurement is mandatory on the
alternator current measurement input.
• Cross current: reactive load sharing from a current loop. In this case, a dedicated CT
needs to be connected and a current loop needs to be created on the “Cross current”
input. Consult technical support for more information.

• Note: Load compensation cannot be enabled if quadrature droop or cross current is active.

• Field current regulation is optional. In this case, the reference must be permanently set so
that it matches the existing load and will not risk damaging the load or the machine (risk of
overvoltage or under voltage and over excitation).

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• Example no. 3: The alternator is in parallel with the grid8

Grid code

Coupling
circuit-breaker

G D550

• The AVR is operating in voltage regulation mode when the alternator starts. Quadrature
droop or cross-current correction is not needed only if the alternator is connected to the grid.
• The voltage match circuit is used to adjust the alternator voltage to the grid voltage
prior to connection. This can be done automatically by directly measuring the voltage after
the coupling circuit breaker, or by changing the alternator reference.
• Regulation of the alternator power factor, kVAr, or power factor at one point of the grid
must be enabled once the coupling circuit breaker is closed.
• Alternator current measurement is essential in all these regulation scenarios.
• Regulation of the power factor at one point of the grid also requires alternator voltage and
current measurements, measurement of the grid voltage and current at the required point
(in this case, the power factor is calculated by the D550).
• Field current regulation is optional. In this case, the reference must be permanently set so
that it matches the existing load and will not risk damaging the load or the machine.

Note: Different regulation types have priority. The order is as follows (highest priority down
to lowest priority):
• Field current
• If the grid code connection contactor is closed:
• Grid power factor
• Alternator kVAr
• Alternator power factor
• Voltage matching circuit
• Voltage
See appendix 8.2 for AVR regulation .

Note: Switching from one regulation mode to another is bumpless.

8 A grid is deemed to be any electricity supply whose power rating is at least ten times higher than the alternator
rated power.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


3.2. Control of modes and information
Switching from one regulation mode to another, transferring operating modes, and monitoring of
alarms or trips can be done by several means: inputs and outputs or communication.

Also, see the schematic for the alternator on which your AVR is installed.
3.3. Protection functions
The D550 integrates certain protection devices:
• Under voltage (Code ANSI 27);
• Open diode and diode short-circuited failures
• Overvoltage (Code ANSI 59);
• Under frequency (Code ANSI 81L);
• Over frequency (Code ANSI 81H);
• Active reverse power (Code ANSI 32P);
• Reactive reverse power (Code ANSI 32Q);
• Synchro check (Code ANSI 25).

3.4. Related functions


Other D550 functions can be used to record events, supervise the phase synchronizing the alternator
with the grid, or create simple control systems or functions for monitoring references. The D550 also
integrates dedicated functions for grid operators (Grid Code functions).

4. Communication

4.1. USB

• For “USB” communication, use the dedicated cable with connector USB “A” on computer side,
and USB “B” connector on AVR side
• If a D550 is connected, it must appear on the bottom left of the PC software EasyReg
Advanced:

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Digital voltage regulator D550


4.2. CAN

Activate CAN bus Define CAN bus speed


function (Speed define in Kbits/s)

Define D550 address Enable proprietary


in J1939 protocol periodic frame
generation
Enable J1939
periodic frame Enable power supply on
generation CAN bus connector (use
for EasyLog/EasyLogPS
Add a delay product)
between product
startup and CAN bus
startup

More detail about the frame generate and received by this product are available in D550 CAN bus
documentation reference 5806.
4.3. LED

Silksceen printing Color Signification


(Under) Hz RED Frequency Fault ON = Underspeed operation
(Under/Over) Volt RED Voltage Fault ON = Under or Over Voltage
ON = Rotor overheating
(Under/Over) Exc. RED Excitation Fault BLINK = Rotor Overload or Under Excitation or
Minimum excitation
Fault (diode) RED Diode Fault ON = Diode Open or in short circuit
I Exc. YELLOW Iex regulation ON = Manual excitation mode
PF / kVAR YELLOW PF or kVAR Regulation ON = PV or kVAR regulation mode
U=U YELLOW Voltage equalization ON = Voltage equalization mode
ON = Regulation in operation
Power ON GREEN Power ON
BLINK = Product Energized
USB BLUE USB OK ON = USB connected

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Digital voltage regulator D550


5. Setting instructions
5.1. PC Software
All the D550 settings can be entered using the “EasyReg Advanced” software supplied with the AVR.
The parameter-setting pages describe primarily the alternator parameters, regulations, limits, and
protection devices.
5.1.1. Software Installation
EasyReg Advanced® is the software to be used for configurating the regulator.

Note: This program is only compatible with computers running WINDOWS® versions
Windows 7 and Windows 10 operating systems.

Execute this program, checking first that you have “Administrator” rights for your terminal.

Step 1: Choose the installation language

Step 2: Choose the installation type:


• Quick installation: the files are copied automatically and the software directory is created
• Custom installation:
- Choose the installation directory

- After selecting the directory, click “Next”

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Digital voltage regulator D550


- Confirm by clicking “Install” if the path is as expected

Step 3: Once installation is complete, you can choose to start the software (box ticked by default)
and to manage the shortcuts. Click on “Done” to quit the installation page.

A shortcut is created on your desktop:

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Digital voltage regulator D550


5.1.2. Different access levels of Easyreg Advanced
Two modes are available:
- User (standard): for read only access to the parameters.

- Expert: for full access to the different functions of the regulator in read and write modes.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


5.1.3. Description of the banner and tabs
The software takes the form of a single window with a general banner and a bottom zone where
sub-windows are opened.

The banner consists of 5 tabs:

• “Home” tab:

New Configuration Open a file of your choice or open Open the configuration window
recent files (general information about the
alternator, references, limits, etc.)

Save the existing configuration or


Print the Access level
Save as another name, or export Programs comparison
configuration management
the list of parameters to a
spreadsheet file

• “Communication” tab:

Load the parameters into the D550 Back to the factory setting

Download the D550 parameters

Note: Before parameters are exported the user will be asked to confirm and to check the product
status (regulation in progress or not). If regulation is in progress, confirmation is requested again.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• “Monitoring” tab:

Open the oscilloscope Open the monitor


window window

Cascade open List of open


windows windows

Mosaic open
windows

• “Information” tab:

Language Technical
selection support help

Open the software


information window

The D550 is equipped with running hours counter accessible in the « About » window (given
in hours and minutes).

Note: This counter is updated every 10min and only when the voltage regulation setpoint is
reached.

The firmware update can also be done in this window as shown next.

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Digital voltage regulator D550

Firmware
upgrade

• "Regulator state” window:

5.1.4. Communication with the D550

Communication between the D550 and the PC software. When the communication is established,
a confirmation message is displayed on the bottom left of the PC software as shown below.

5.1.5. Description of the “Configuration” window


This window consists of several pages for configuring the entire alternator operation. To scroll
through the pages, use the “Next” or “Previous” buttons or click on the list of pages.

Note: More details of these pages are given in the sections describing how to create a new
customized configuration.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


Quick configuration:

Customized configuration:

Limits: this page contains the parameter settings for the various machine limits (maximum and
minimum field current, stator current limit).

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• Protection devices: this page contains the parameter settings for the protection devices
provided by the D550 (rotating diode failure, overvoltage and under voltage, temperatures, etc.).

One page allows doing some faults groups or summarize information as “fault synthesis”.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• I/O: this page contains an overview of the digital and analog I/O parameter settings.

• Curve functions: this page is used to define the control functions of a parameter as a function
of another by plotting 5 points.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• Logic/analog gates: this page is used to configure simple logic functions at I/O level and the
type of gate.

• Data logger: this function is available when the optional modules Easy Log or Easy Log PS are
connected from the CAN page. It allows to define the parameters and triggers for saving in a log
file. The various operating modes for these triggers, the parameter trigger values and the
sampling speed can be configured.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• Synchronization: this page is used to define the parameters for synchronization between the
alternator and the grid.

• Grid code: This function is available when the optional modules Easy Log or Easy Log PS are
connected This page is used to define the parameters dedicated to grid code protections.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


5.1.6. “Oscilloscope” window
This window is used to trace the evolution if the measured values of up to 8 parameters
simultaneously.

5.1.6.1. Curves
Each curve is described by: its color, its source parameter, its minimum and maximum values. It
has its own axis, which is the same color as the curve.

• To change the color:


• Click on the colored disk on the right of the curve name, and a predefined color palette will
open.

• Click on the new curve color from those available.


• The color selection window is then automatically closed, and the disk then takes on its
selected color.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• Should you wish to configure a color not available in the color palette, click on the “Other
colors…” button. The palette is then transformed. Move the black cross to the selected
color or fill in the text boxes (each value between 0 and 255) to define the RGB color
values. Then click “OK”.

NB: When you no longer wish to change the color, just click outside the palette. It
will be closed automatically.

• Select a parameter to plot


• Click on the tick box.
• If the box was already selected, a confirmation message appears. By clicking on, Yes”, a
window opens with the list of parameters.

• If the box was not already selected, the window with the list of parameters opens directly.
• Select the parameter you wish to track from the drop-down list. This parameter can be an
analog or digital value (regulation mode for example).
• Click “OK” to use the selected parameter, or “Cancel” if you don’t wish to change
anything.

• Refine the plotting range: change the minimum and maximum values if necessary. These
values are taken into account and the trace is re-scaled as soon as one of the boxes is
exited or the keypad “Enter” key is pressed.

When the monitor is on, the current value appears in square brackets.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


5.1.6.2. Trigger
The trigger is used to launch oscilloscope operation once the chosen parameter value exceeds
the value entered either upwards (arrow facing up) or downwards (arrow facing down).

Trigger value Rising edge Falling edge

• Select whichever of the curves caused the trip


• Click on the tick box.
• If the box was already selected, a confirmation message appears. By clicking on “Yes”, a
window opens with the list of parameters.

• If the box was not already selected, the window with the list of parameters opens directly.
• Select the parameter you wish to track from the drop-down list. This parameter can be an
analog or digital value (regulation mode for example).
• Click “OK” to use the selected parameter, or “Cancel” if you don’t wish to change
anything.

• Enter the threshold value to be exceeded


• Choose the overshoot direction (up or down)
• To launch the trigger, click “GO”
• To cancel the trigger, deselect the curve

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Digital voltage regulator D550


5.1.6.3. Cursors
Two cursors are available for browsing the curves. The difference between the two values of Y
(curve value) is displayed in the “Delta Y” part for each curve and of “Delta X” (time in seconds)
for the time between the two cursors.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


5.1.6.4. Transient test
The transient test is used to check the PID response when changing the reference of current
regulation mode.
It is divided into 5 steps maximum, each one can take a different reference value.
The PID parameters can be changed directly when the command is sent.

• Click on the “Start a transient test” button. The following window opens:

• To configure your transient test:


• Select between 1 and 5 steps by clicking on the corresponding tick box
• For each selected step, define the reference value
• Define the time between each step
• The PID values can be changed in order to adjust the gains.

Once the parameters have been set, click “OK”.

The test then starts. Steps in progress are shown by the reference turning green.

Note:
• This test can be stopped at any time by clicking on the “Stop the transient test”
button. The display then reverts to the original reference.
• Transient tests cannot be performed if the control reference input is controlled by an
analog input, as this control mode has priority.
• During this transient test, the defined minimum and maximum upper and lower limits
are not exceeded.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


5.1.6.5. Open a curve or an oscilloscope display configuration
The “Open” button (folder icon) at the bottom right of the oscilloscope window can be used to
open an oscilloscope display configuration file (curves, minimum and maximum values, etc.).

By clicking on this folder’s right-hand arrow, you can choose to also open a file saved in “.csv”
format. Caution, only files generated by the software can be opened.

When a curve in “.csv” format is opened, the curve configuration in progress is replaced by the
saved curve configuration.

There are two ways to zoom in:


• Click in the oscilloscope plotting area
• Holding the “Ctrl” key and use the mouse wheel: both the X and Y axes are then modified
• Holding the “Alt” key and scroll the mouse wheel: only the X axis is modified, the scales on
the Y axis remain the same
• Holding the “Shift” key and scroll the mouse wheel: only the Y axis is modified, the scales on
the X axis remain the same

5.1.6.6. Save a curve or an oscilloscope display configuration


The “Save” button (disk icon) at the bottom right of the oscilloscope window can be used to
save an oscilloscope display configuration file (curves, minimum and maximum values, etc.).

By clicking on this folder’s right-hand arrow, you can choose to also save the oscilloscope
curves as a “.csv” file.

5.1.6.7. Change the background of the grid plotting area and the thickness of the
curves

The oscilloscope background color can be changed to white by clicking on “ ”. To switch back
to black, click on “ ”. Click “ ” to change the grid display. The “ ” button is used to select
from 4 different curve thicknesses.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


5.1.7. “Monitor” window
This window is used to configure the parameter display in different forms (gauges, graphs, display
units), as well as certain AVR-specific components: PQ diagram, I/O, temperatures.

It is fully configurable and the various objects can be added, moved, modified and/or deleted.

Display unit Graph

Gauge

PQ diagram I/O

Temperatures Fresnel
diagram
Synchroscope
Status
and faults
Phase shifts

Open a monitor Save page


configuration configuration
Start/Stop

Sampling rate

Delete an object

5.1.7.1. Display units


To add a new display unit:
• Click on the “Display” button, a window is opened.
• Select the parameter you wish to track from the drop-down list. This parameter can be an
analog or digital value (regulation mode for example).

• Click “OK” to use the selected parameter, or “Cancel” if you don’t wish to change anything.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• The display unit is then inserted in the monitor in the first free slot (from left to right and then
from top to bottom).

5.1.7.2. Graph
To add a new graph:
• Click on the “Graph” button, a window is opened.
• Select the parameter you wish to track from the drop-down list. This parameter can be an
analog or digital value (regulation mode for example).

• Click “OK” to use the selected parameter, or “Cancel” if you don’t wish to change anything.
• The graph is then inserted in the monitor in the first free slot (from left to right and then from
top to bottom).

5.1.7.3. Gauges
To add a new gauge:
• Click on the “Gauge” button, a window is opened.
• Select the parameter you wish to track from the drop-down list. This parameter can be an
analog or digital value (regulation mode for example).

• Click “OK” to use the selected parameter, or “Cancel” if you don’t wish to change anything.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• The gauge is then inserted in the monitor in the first free slot (from left to right and then from
top to bottom).

5.1.7.4. Capability curve


To add a capability curve, click on the corresponding button. The curve is then inserted in the
monitor in the first free slot (from left to right and then from top to bottom).

NB: Only one PQ diagram can be displayed.

5.1.7.5. I/O
To add the I/O module, click on the corresponding button. The module is then inserted in the
monitor in the first free slot (from left to right and then from top to bottom).

NB: Only one I/O module can be displayed.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


5.1.7.6. Temperatures
To add the temperature module, click on the corresponding button. The module is then inserted
in the monitor in the first free slot (from left to right and then from top to bottom).

NB: Only one temperature module can be displayed.

5.1.7.7. Synchronization
To add the synchronization module, click on the corresponding button. The module is then
inserted in the monitor in the first free slot (from left to right and then from top to bottom).

In the left-hand section, the gauge indicates the angle difference between the grid and
alternator voltages. In the right-hand section, the graph indicates with a red dot whether the
difference in frequency and voltage between the alternator and the grid voltage is in the
configured range.

NB: Only one synchronization module can be displayed.

5.1.7.8. AVR status and faults


To add the AVR status and fault module, click on the corresponding button. The module is
inserted in the monitor in the first free slot (from left to right and then from top to bottom).

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Digital voltage regulator D550

This module contains the D550 operating information, the regulation mode in progress, as well
as the list of active faults.

5.1.7.9. Fresnel diagram


This module is used to display the alternator Fresnel diagram with the current, voltage and
current phase shift values for each phase.

5.1.7.10. CT phase shift


This module is used to display or modify the phase shift for the different CTs directly from the
monitor. To modify the value, enter the new phase shift value and click “Close”.

5.1.7.11. Change the size of an object


It is possible to change the size of graphs, gauges and the PQ diagram.
• Switch to Edit mode by right-clicking in the monitor area
• Click on “Edit mode”

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• Go to the middle of one side or corner of the diagram: the cursor becomes a double arrow.

• Click, hold and drag until it is the desired size.

Exit “Edit mode” either by pressing the “Esc” key or by right-clicking in the monitor area and
deselecting “Edit mode”.

5.1.7.12. Delete an object


To delete an object (display unit, graph, gauge, etc.):
• Switch to Edit mode by right-clicking in the monitor area
• Click on “Edit mode”

• A grid then appears indicating the position of the various objects


• Right-click on the display unit you wish to delete
• Click “Delete”

Exit “Edit mode” either by pressing the “Esc” key or by right-clicking in the monitor area and
deselecting “Edit mode”.

5.1.7.13. Save a monitor configuration


A monitor configuration can be saved in order to be reused later. Click on the “Save” button and
a window will be opened. Give the name of the desired monitor configuration, and select “Save”.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


5.1.7.14. Open a monitor configuration
Click on the “Open” button to retrieve a monitor configuration and a window will be opened.
Select the desired monitor configuration, and select “Open”.

5.2. Create a new configuration


Two configuration modes are possible on the D550: “quick” or “advanced”.
• Quick configuration: In this mode, the machine is selected from a database with the alternator’s
saved factory parameters. The pages accessible in this mode will be marked by the symbol R

Click on “New quick configuration” to access this mode.

Note: It will be possible to create a quick configuration and refine the parameters on the last
configuration page (the PID gains page) by continuing the configuration in advanced mode.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• Advanced configuration: In this mode, all the machine operating parameters need to be defined.
The pages accessible in this mode will be marked by the symbol P

Click on “New advanced configuration” to access this mode.

This configuration window consists of several pages for configuring the entire alternator operation.
To scroll through the pages use the “Next” or “Previous” buttons or click on the list of pages.

R 5.2.1. Description of the “quick” alternator configuration


Select each of the following on this page:
• The size of the alternator by clicking on the corresponding image
• The various parameters:
• The alternator core length
• The excitation type (AREP, SHUNT or PMG)
• The frequency and the connection diagram - the image on the right-hand side of the screen
is updated according to the choices made by the user
• The rated voltage and thermal class
• Then click “Next”.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


P 5.2.2. Description of the “advanced” alternator configuration
• All the machine data needs to be defined for an advanced configuration.

• Describe all the alternator characteristics: voltage (in Volts), apparent power (in kVA), frequency
(in Hz), and power factor.
• Fields: rated current, reactive power and active power are calculated automatically.
• The ratio of the number of poles to give an accurate analysis of rotating diode failure is based
on the current harmonics analysis (number of exciter poles divided by the number of machine
poles). The default value is 0 and is based on the level of field current ripple.

• Describe all the field excitation characteristics: exciter field resistance (in ohms), shutdown field
current (in Amps), and rated field current (in Amps).

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• Click on the “Next” button.

R P 5.2.3. AVR wiring


This wiring must be typical of the connections between the AVR and the alternator. As your
configuration evolves, the wiring diagram in the right of the window is changed: representation of
VT and/or CT, number of conductors, etc.

Note: By default, the alternator voltage measurement and the grid code voltage
measurement are shown.

• Alternator voltage measurement VTs:


• If these are present, tick the box. The various parameters can then be set.
• State the primary and secondary winding voltages (in Volts).
• State the type of measurement: phase-neutral, phase-phase, 3 phases or 3 phases and
neutral using the drop-down menu.

• Alternator current measurement CTs:


• If these are present, tick the box. The following window appears:

In this window, it is possible to adjust the primary and secondary winding currents (in A) and
also to select whether the measurement is taken for all or part of the alternator winding:

• Once this window has been closed, it is possible to adjust the various parameters.
• Indicate the IT configuration using the drop-down menu.

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Digital voltage regulator D550

Note:
• The phase shift value should be set during tests and commissioning. It is used to
compensate for the phase difference caused by the CTs and VTs.
• If an isolation CT is present, the secondary parameter value should correspond to the
isolation CT secondary.

• Bus current measurement CT: placed in the V phase


• If this is present, choose the 4 mode. The various parameters can then be set.
• State the primary and secondary winding currents in (Amps).
• This input is also used for Grid code over current detection.

• Cross current measurement CT: placed in the V phase


• If this is present, choose the 3 mode. The various parameters can then be set.
• State the primary and secondary winding currents in (Amps).

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• Bus voltage measurement VTs:
• If these are present, tick the box. The various parameters can then be set.
• State the primary and secondary winding voltages (in Volts).

• Step-up VT:
• This VT corresponds to a power transformer which can be found between the alternator and
the grid. It makes it easier to calculate the voltage when matching the grid voltage, especially
if the ratios between the primary and secondary on the various measurement VTs are not
identical.
• The “primary” corresponds to the machine (on the production side) and the secondary on the
grid side.
Step-up VT
Grid code voltage measurement

Grid code measurement VT


Alternator measurement VT

Voltage reference

G D550

• Hence when matching the grid voltage, the voltage reference given to the AVR is calculated
using the formula below:
𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑝 − 𝑢𝑝 𝑉𝑇 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑦
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 𝐺𝑟𝑖𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑑𝑒 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 ×
𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑝 − 𝑢𝑝 𝑉𝑇 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑦

• If this is present, tick the box. The various parameters can then be set.
• Indicate the primary and secondary winding voltages (in Volts)

Note: A phase shift adjustment is used to take the specific coupling characteristics of this step-
up transformer into account.

• PT100 and CTP:


Select PT100 or CTP inputs.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


P 5.2.4. Capability curve limit
Note: In the quick configuration, the parameters for this curve are set automatically when
you select the machine.

• This limit corresponds to the absorption limit defined in the capability curve. It is drawn thanks 5
points which define the areas. We recommend using kVAr values slightly higher than the curve
point so that the alternator can operate in complete safety. These points are defined as a
percentage of kVA. Example of a capability curve:

By choosing the points carefully, the software representation gives a similar diagram:

• This limit is enabled in generator power factor regulation, kVAr regulation or grid power
factor regulation mode. It can also be enabled in voltage regulation mode by checking the
“Enable under excitation limitation on voltage regulation mode” box. In this case, the
regulation PID gains need to be defined.
• As soon as the operating point reaches this limit, the field current is controlled so that the
alternator remains in the range defined by the capability curve.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


P 5.2.5. Definition of the over excitation limit
Note: In the quick configuration, the parameters for this curve are set automatically when
you select the machine.

• This limit is divided into 3 different parts using 3 points which define the areas. These points are
determined according to the machine capability. The common adjustment values are:
• 2.5 time of the rated field current for 10 seconds for the stator short-circuit
• 1.5 times the rated field current for 10 seconds up to 120 seconds
• 1.1 times the rated field current for 10 seconds up to 3600 seconds

• As soon as the field current exceeds the value of the rated current, a counter is triggered. The
S1 “field current measurement x time” area (shown in red below) is then compared with the
“maximum field current x time” area (shown in blue below). If S1 equals S2, the limit is active
and the D550 limits the field current to 99% of the rated current (which in this case results in the
interruption of the regulation mode in progress).

S2

S1

• If the limit is active, in order to protect the machine, it is only possible to have a current
higher than 99% of the rated current after 24 hrs.

P 5.2.6. Definition of the stator current limit


Note: This limit is not enabled in the quick configuration.

• The principle of this limit is identical to the limit of maximum field current.
• It can only be enabled if there is at least one stator current measurement CT present.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• It is divided into 3 different parts using 3 points which define the areas. These points are
determined according to the machine capability. The common adjustment values are:
• 3 times the rated stator current for 10 seconds for the stator short-circuit
• 1.5 times the rated stator current for 120 seconds
• 1.1 times the rated stator current for 3600 seconds

• As soon as the stator current exceeds the value of the rated current, a counter is triggered. The
S1 “stator current measurement x time” area (shown in red below) is then compared with the
“maximum stator current x time” area (shown in blue below). If S1 area equals S2, the limit is
active and the D550 limits the stator current to 99% of the rated current (which in this case
results in the voltage reference not being tracked).

• It is also possible to limit the stator current value permanently by checking the “Permanent
alternator current limit” box. In the example above, the stator current cannot exceed 320% of
the rated current. The regulation loop gain can also be adjusted. This limit is useful for motor
starting to limit the current delivered and ensure a gradual speed pick-up:

When the breaker is closed between the motor and the generator, the D550 continues regulating
the voltage until the stator current measured reaches the limitation value. In this case, the D550
regulates the stator current. When the motor reaches its rated speed, the current will decrease
naturally and the voltage will increase. The D550 will then return to voltage regulation mode.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


To prevent and detect a possible bad motor starting event, a delay can be set between 1s to 60s in
the protections page (“motor starting” protection). If the voltage is not at its voltage setpoint when
the delay is over, the regulator will then respond based on the chosen action, as for all the others
fault:
• No action
• Stop the regulation
• Field current regulation mode at shutdown value
• Field current regulation mode at value before the fault

If the motor breaker is closed before energizing, this limitation has the priority and ramp time is not
respected.

Note: During the motor starting, all the other limitations, faults and protections (under
voltage, over voltage, stator limitation, under speed, under excitation, over excitation) has
to be inactivated.

P 5.2.7. Definition of the protection functions


There are 3 types of protections:
• Generator faults
• Regulator faults
• The alarm and trip thresholds for each temperature sensor

All protections have the same architecture:


• An activation of the protection
• A threshold
• A delay
• An action to realize (or not) when the delay is over. This action is chosen in a list:
• No action: the regulation will continue
• Regulation stopped: the excitation is then stopped
• Regulation in field current mode at shutdown value
• Regulation in field current mode at the field current value before fault: no bump in the
regulation

Each protection has an auto-reset option:


• If this option is selected: if fault disappears, regulation will return to the automatic mode (voltage
mode, or PF mode, etc.)
• If this option is not selected, the chosen action is maintained
Below is an example for overvoltage.

On activation of this fault, background becomes light green.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• Under voltage and overvoltage: These protections can be enabled by ticking the checkboxes
“Activation” and defining a threshold (in percentage of the rated voltage) and a delay before the
activation of the protection. In the case below:
• Under voltage fault is activated if the generator voltage is less than 85% of the rated voltage
for at least 1 second. This fault is active only if the regulation is enabled and the soft start
ramp achieved.
• Overvoltage fault is active if the generator voltage is higher than 115% of the rated voltage
and for at least 1 second.

• Under frequency and over frequency: These protections can be enabled by ticking the
checkboxes “Activation” and defining a frequency value and a delay before the activation of the
protection. In the case below:
• Under frequency fault is activated if the generator frequency is less than 47Hz for at least 1
seconds. This fault is active only if the regulation is enabled.
• Over frequency fault is active if the generator frequency is higher than 53Hz for at least 1
seconds.

• Diode fault: These protections can be enabled by ticking the checkboxes “Activation” and
defining a percentage of harmonics of the field current and a delay before the activation of the
protection.
• If the pole ratio (number of exciter poles divided by the number of poles of the generator) is
known, the percentage of harmonics supervised by the AVR is the sum of the two harmonics
closer of the ratio. For example, for an exciter of 16 poles, and a generator of 6 poles, pole
ratio is 2.66, so the percentage of harmonics 2 and 3 are summed.
• If the pole ratio is unknown, percentage of harmonics supervised by the AVR is the sum of all
of harmonics.

In the case below:


• Open diode fault is activated if the percentage of the field current harmonics is higher than
5% for at least 1 second. This fault is active only if the regulation is enabled.
• Diode shorted fault is active if the percentage of the field current harmonics is higher than
10% for at least 1 seconds.

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Digital voltage regulator D550

• Start motor fault: This protection can be enabled by ticking the checkbox “Activation” and
defining a delay. In the case below, fault is activated if the generator voltage is less than the
voltage setpoint when the 30 second delay is complete. See the “Stator current limit” section for
more information.

• Active power reversal: this protection device can be enabled by ticking the checkbox
“Activation” and defining an active power threshold (as a percentage of the rated active power),
as well as a delay before activation of the protection device.

Note: In this case, the power is negative, in other words the alternator is then in “motor”
mode.

• Reactive power reversal: this protection device can be enabled by ticking the checkbox
“Activation” and defining a reactive power threshold (as a percentage of the rated reactive
power), as well as a delay before activation of the protection device.

Note: In this case, the reactive power is negative.

• Loss of sensing: this protection can be enabled by ticking the checkbox “Activation” and
defining a voltage threshold in percentage of the generator voltage setpoint, as well as a delay
before activation of the protection device. In the case below, the fault is activated if the
generator voltage is less than 20% of the voltage setpoint after 1 second.
This function is deactivated during the short circuit, the soft start and when the voltage is
regulated according to the U/F slope.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• Unbalance voltage: this protection can be enabled by ticking the checkbox “Activation” and
defining a percentage of voltage unbalance as well as a delay before activation of the protection
device. Calculation of the voltage unbalance is according to the NEMA standard:
This function is deactivated during the soft start.

𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒


𝑈𝑛𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = × 100
𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒

In the case below, this fault is activated if the percentage of unbalance is at least 20% after 1
second.

• Short-circuit: this protection can be enabled by ticking the checkbox “Activation” and defining a
minimum stator current threshold in percentage of the generator rated current, as well as a
delay before activation of the protection device. In the case below, the fault is active if the
generator current measurement is higher than 200% of the rated stator current after 10
seconds.

• Unbalance current: this protection can be enabled by ticking the checkbox “Activation” and
defining a percentage of current unbalance as well as a delay before activation of the protection
device. Calculation of the current unbalance is realized with the same formula as the unbalance
voltage.
This function is deactivated during the soft start.

𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡


𝑈𝑛𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 = × 100
𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡

In the case below, this fault is activated if the percentage of unbalance is at least 20% after 1
second.

• Power supply fault: this protection can be enabled by ticking the checkbox “Activation". It’s the
result of a control of supply voltage of the D550. In the case below, the fault is active if the
supply voltage is below at 10 V during 10s or more.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• IGBT fault: this protection can be enabled by ticking the checkbox “Activation". The fault is
activated if a coordination fault between the command and the action of the power transistors is
detected, if no action is set, the AVR will continue to regulate the setpoint but with a degradation
in the accuracy. It is necessary to change the D550 quickly.

• Click on “Next” button.

• Power bridge overload detected: this protection can be enabled by ticking the checkbox
“Activation” and defining a percentage of current unbalance as well as a delay before activation
of the protection device. In the case below, the fault is active if the field current is higher than 1A
after 30 seconds.

• Temperature protection: these protections can be enabled by ticking the checkbox “Activation”
and defining the trip and alarm temperature thresholds. The screenshot below demonstrates
RTD 1 only (identical for RTD 1 to 5).

On the last protections page, fault groups can be defined: all protections can be grouped to
activate one or several signals (digital output for example) to do a synthesis of several faults. If one
of these faults is activated, the entire group is activated. This information can be a destination for
one output or can be used in logical functions. In the example below, Group 1 corresponds to
speed faults, Group 2 to temperature faults, Group 3 to temperature alarm faults and Group 4 to
voltage unbalance and supply voltage faults.

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Digital voltage regulator D550

• Click on “Next” button.

R P 5.2.8. Regulation mode

R P 5.2.8.1. Starting
• The ramp time corresponds to the time taken to reach the machine’s voltage reference (or
field current reference).

Voltage reference or field current

Reference

Time
Field excitation starting time Ramp time
starting

• If starting needs to be instantaneous, put “0” in the ramp time.

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Digital voltage regulator D550

• Select the field excitation starting mode from the drop-down list. This can be:
• Controlled by a digital input (DI1 to DI8).
• Not controlled directly, but the result of a logic gate for example.
• Always enabled by selecting “Always active”. In this case, the field excitation is always
energized as soon as the product is powered up. This offers two possible scenarios:
• Start on threshold mode is not active: The ramp will then be active as soon as the
alternator starts to rotate, and the reference will be corrected according to the
underspeed slope parameter set in voltage regulation mode (see the next section).
• Start on threshold mode is active. Check the “Start on Threshold (SoT) Mode Active”
box to enable this mode. It is used to start the ramp without taking the alternator speed
into account by using the voltage level present at terminals X1, X2, Z1 and Z2. This
mode operates in two stages:
• Control of power transistor opening is initially maintained at a fixed valued (“Initial
PWM SoT (%)”), until the alternator voltage reaches its defined value (“Voltage
Threshold (V)”).
• As soon as the machine voltage reaches this threshold, voltage regulation becomes
active.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


Voltage
U rated

Threshold in V

Remanent

PWM Time
100%

% PWM

Time
1 2 3

1 Excitation energized

1 to 2 Regulation with PWM applied to “Initial PWM SoT”

2 to 3 Voltage regulation (following the soft-start ramp)

3 End of ramp and regulation at U rated

• To stop excitation with starting on threshold, the following 3 conditions must be met:
• Frequency less than the fixed frequency
• DC bus voltage (continuous image of the voltage present at terminals X1, X2, Z1 and
Z2) less than the fixed voltage level
• A delay after validating the previous two conditions
• In the example below, for a 400V alternator:

• Click on “Next” button.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


R P 5.2.8.2. Voltage regulation
• This regulation must always be active, so select “Always active” in the drop-down list.

• The reference point is determined either by a fixed value in the “Internal setpoint” tab, or by
an analog input, the source, type and range of which need to be defined in the “Setpoint from
analog input” tab.

• If “Internal setpoint” is selected, fill in the voltage reference value. This value can also be
modified via the fieldbus.

• If the “Analog input” option is selected, the “Setpoint from analog input” part becomes
active. Select the desired analog input box, determine its mode (+/-10 V, 0/10 V, 4-20 mA,
potentiometer) and the voltage values at 0% and 100%. 9

Cursor

Note: By moving the cursor, it is possible to view the values obtained on the voltage and
under frequency curves displayed on the right.

• The limits of this reference should be fixed, depending on the machine capability (in the
example below, the minimum voltage reference is 0% of 400 V, and the maximum voltage
reference is 100% of 400 V).

9The voltage terminals can be swapped: the minimum voltage for 100% of the analog input, and the maximum
voltage for 0% of the analog input.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• With a fixed reference, the reference can be adjusted by two up and down inputs, one
pulse corresponding to going up one “step” or down one “step”. Both the inputs, the value of
the step and the delay need to be fixed, and this adjustment can be accessed by setting the
selector to “Active”.

Note: The “+” and “-” inputs are the same for all regulation modes, but only affect the
regulation modes in which they were enabled.

• Underfrequency: These two fields are used to set the voltage drop as a function of the
alternator speed.
- Knee-point value: The typical values are 48 Hz for an alternator at 50 Hz, 57 Hz for an
alternator with 60 Hz rated frequency and 380 Hz for an alternator at 400 Hz.
- Slope: Adjustable from 0.5 to 3. The higher the slope value, the greater the voltage drop
will be if the drive motor speed drops.

• The curve drawing is changed as a function of these two values.

• Quadrature droop: Select the box to enable this function and give a voltage drop
percentage between -20% and +20% (caution, a negative value corresponds to an increase
in voltage). This function is mainly used in the case of alternators operating in parallel with
one another. This value is set to 3% by default.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


The quadrature droop curve drawing is changed as a function of the reference.

Note: If quadrature droop has been enabled, it is no longer possible to have load
compensation or cross-current function.

• Load compensation: Select the box to enable this function and give a voltage reference
change percentage between -20% and +20%. This function is mainly used, depending on the
kVA delivered by the machine, to:
• Increase the voltage reference (with a percentage between 1 and 20%) in the case of
particularly long distribution lines.
• Decrease the voltage reference (with a percentage between -20% and -1%) to balance
the loads for machines connected to a rectifier (DC bus).

The compensation curve drawing is changed as a function of the reference.

Note: If load compensation has been enabled, it is no longer possible to have quadrature
droop or the cross-current function.

• Cross current: Select the box to enable this function and give a voltage correction
percentage as a function of the measured residual kVAr. The system automatically corrects
the voltage (temporarily) to permanently cancel the kVAr difference between machines, yet
without lowering the regulation point. This function requires special wiring.

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Note: If the cross-current function has been enabled, it is no longer possible to have
quadrature droop or load compensation.

• This function is only possible if a cross current CT is wired to the V input on the D550.

• LAM: Load Acceptance Module. This function improves the generator response reducing the
voltage set point during a load impacts.
When generator frequency measured is below the under-speed knee defined in the
configuration (example 48Hz or 57Hz), voltage set point is decreased to a defined value (in
example below, 10% under the rated voltage.

• If frequency continues to fall, the voltage is regulated according to the U/f law.
• Soft voltage recovery helps the speed recovery of the genset: it is given in seconds per
percent of the rated voltage (s/%). For example, the above setting means that if the
frequency decreases by 10% then the progressive rise time will be 1 second
(i.e. 0.100s/% * 10%). Note that if the slope of progressive rise is greater than the U/f law,
then the latter will be used to raise the voltage.
• The frequency stabilization delay corresponds to the waiting time before the voltage
setpoint is raised gradually (according to the increase of the frequency).
• The figure below shows the operating details of the LAM:

Frequency

Knee

Time
Voltage

Soft voltage
recovery

Time

Frequency stabilization
delay

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• Smart LAM: it has the same role as the classical LAM described above. The difference lies
in the fact that the percentage of voltage drop is no longer fixed by the user but is
automatically adapted to the level of the load impact. Thus, for each load impact:
• The controller measures the operating frequency and calculates its derivative
permanently.
• From this derivative value, an attenuation coefficient (K) of the voltage is calculated
according to the parameters configured by the user. In the example below, for a frequency
variation of 10Hz/s, the applied voltage drop will be 10% of the nominal voltage.

For each load impact, the voltage attenuation is determined by the formula ∆U = K ×
Ur where Ur is the rated voltage of the alternator.
The frequency stabilization delay corresponds to the waiting time before the voltage setpoint
is raised gradually (according to the increase of the frequency).

• Click on the “Next” button.

R P 5.2.8.3. Voltage matching circuit


• To connect an alternator to the grid, the grid voltage and the alternator voltage must be very
close in value (less than 5% difference between the two measurements). The voltage
matching circuit function is used to measure the instantaneous grid voltage as an alternator
voltage reference.10
• To enable the voltage matching circuit, select the activation type from the drop-down list.
This can be:
• Controlled by a digital input (DI1 to DI8).
• Always enabled by selecting “Always active”. In this case, the voltage matching circuit is
always switched on, depending on the order of priority of the regulations.
• If “None” is selected, the voltage matching circuit is never enabled or is enabled by a logic
gate.

• Click on the “Next” button.

10 This function requires one or two grid voltage measurement transformer(s).

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R P 5.2.8.4. Regulation of the generator power factor
• This regulation must be enabled as soon as the machine is connected to the grid (grid
contactor closing) data item and disabled as soon as the machine is disconnected from the
grid. The source of the grid connection contactor should be stated at the bottom of the page:

• It can be chosen with kVAr regulation and regulation of the power factor at one point of the
grid for machines connected to the grid.

• This function is used to regulate the power factor at the machine terminals. For this purpose,
the alternator current measurement must be connected (1 or 3 current transformers).

• This regulation is activated by default as soon as the grid breaker is closed. The other
regulation modes kVAr or power factor at a grid point, have the priority on this regulation.

• The reference point is determined either by a fixed value in the “Internal setpoint” tab, or by
an analog input, the source, type and range of which need to be set in the “Setpoint from
analog input” tab.

• If “Internal setpoint” is selected, fill in the voltage reference value. This value can also be
modified via the fieldbus.

• If the “Analog input” option is selected, the “Reference via analog input” part becomes
active. Select the desired analog input box, determine its mode (+/-10 V, 0/10 V, 4-20 mA,
potentiometer) and the power factor values at 0% and 100%. 11

Cursor

Note: By moving the cursor, it is possible to view the power factor reference (blue line) on the
capability diagram located on the right of the page.

11The power factor reference can be swapped and the limits reversed: the minimum power factor for 100% of the
analog input, and the maximum power factor for 0% of the analog input.

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Digital voltage regulator D550

• With a fixed reference, the reference can be adjusted by two inputs (up and down), one
pulse corresponding to going up one “step” or down one “step”. Both the inputs, the value of
the step and the delay need to be fixed, and this adjustment is enabled by setting the
selector to “Active”.

Note: The “+” and “-” inputs are the same for all regulation modes.

• The limits of this reference should be fixed according to the machine capability (in the
example below, the power factor reference is fixed between 1 and 0.8 (supplying reactive
power as seen by the generator)).

These reference limits define the light green area on the capability diagram in which the
reference can vary.

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R P 5.2.8.5. Regulation of generator kVAr
• This regulation must be enabled as soon as the machine is connected to the grid “grid
contactor closing” data item), and disabled as soon as the machine is disconnected from the
grid. The grid connection contactor source should be stated at the bottom of the page:

• The other options are regulation of the generator power factor or regulation of the power
factor at one point of the grid for machines connected to the grid (see steps 10 and 12).

• This regulation is used to regulate the kVAr value at the machine terminals. For this purpose
the alternator current measurement must be connected (1 or 3 current transformers).

• To enable kVAr regulation, select the activation type from the drop-down list. This can be:
• Controlled by a digital input (DI1 to DI8).
• Always enabled by selecting “Always active”. In this case, kVAr regulation is always
active, depending on the order of priority of the regulations.
• If “None” is selected, kVAr regulation is never enabled or is enabled by a logic gate.

• The home reference point is determined either by a fixed value in the “Internal setpoint”
tab, or by an analog input, the source, type and range of which need to be set in the
“Setpoint from analog input” tab.

• If “Internal setpoint” is selected, fill in the voltage reference value. This value can also be
modified via the fieldbus.

• If the “Analog input” option is selected, the “Reference via analog input” part becomes
active. Select the desired analog input box, determine its mode (+/-10 V, 0/10 V, 4-20 mA,
potentiometer) and the kVar values at 0% and 100%. 12

12The kVAr regulation terminals can be swapped and the limits reversed: the minimum value for 100% of the
analog input, and the maximum value for 0% of the analog input.

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Cursor

Note: By moving the cursor, it is possible to view the kVAr regulation (blue line) on the
capability diagram located on the right of the page.

• With a fixed reference, the reference can be adjusted by two inputs (up and down), one
pulse corresponding to going up one “step” or down one “step”. Both the inputs, the value of
the step and the delay need to be fixed, and this adjustment is enabled by setting the
selector to “Active”.

Note: The “+” and “-” inputs are the same for all regulation modes.

• The limits of this reference should be fixed according to the machine capability (in the
example below, the kVAr regulation is fixed between -10% of the alternator rated kVA power
(drawing reactive power as seen by the generator) and 62% of the alternator rated kVA
power (supplying reactive power as seen by the generator)).

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Digital voltage regulator D550

These reference limits define the light green area on the capability diagram in which the
reference can vary.

R P 5.2.8.6. Regulation of power factor at one point of the grid


• This regulation mode is only possible if a grid current measurement CT is wired to the
V input on the D550.

• This regulation must be enabled as soon as the machine is connected to the grid “grid
contactor closing” data item) and disabled as soon as the machine is disconnected from the
grid. The grid connection contactor source should be stated at the bottom of the page:

• The other options are regulation of the generator power factor and kVAr regulation for
machines connected to the grid (see steps 10 and 11).
• This regulation is used to regulate the power factor at one point of the grid. For this purpose,
the alternator current measurement must be connected.
• To enable regulation of the power factor at one point of the grid, select the activation type
from the drop-down list. This can be:
• Controlled by a digital input (DI1 to DI8).
• Always enabled by selecting “Always active”. In this case, regulation of the power factor at
one point of the grid is always enabled, according to the order of priority of the regulations.
• If “None” is selected, regulation of the power factor at one point of the grid is never
enabled or is enabled by a logic gate.

• The home reference point is determined either by a fixed value in the “Internal setpoint”
tab, or by an analog input, the source, type and range of which need to be set in the
“Setpoint from analog input” tab.

• If “Internal setpoint” is selected, fill in the voltage reference value. This value can also be
modified via the fieldbus.

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• If the “Analog input” option is selected, the “Reference via analog input” part becomes
active. Select the desired analog input box, determine its mode (+/-10 V, 0/10 V, 4-20 mA,
potentiometer) and the power factor values at 0% and 100%. 13

Cursor

Note: By moving the cursor, it is possible to view the power factor reference (blue line) on the
capability diagram located on the right of the page.

Note: This capability diagram is fictitious because it describes evolution of the power
factor at one point of the grid, not at the alternator terminals.

• With a fixed reference, the reference can be adjusted by two inputs (up and down), one
pulse corresponding to going up one “step” or down one “step”. Both the inputs the value of
the step and the delay need to be fixed, and this adjustment is enabled by setting the
selector to “Active”.

13The minimum and maximum power factor reference terminals can be swapped and the limits reversed: the
minimum power factor for 100% of the analog input, and the maximum power factor for 0% of the analog input.

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Note: The “+” and -” inputs are the same for all regulation modes.

• The limits of this reference should be fixed as required. In the screenshot below they are 1
and 0.8 (supplying reactive power as seen by the generator). The active limits should be
those of the alternator to keep the machine in its capability diagram, but also those fixed in
this page. In certain conditions, there can be a grid power factor reference limit without
actually being at the limit of this reference because the machine power factor reference is
active.

These reference limits define the light green area on the capability diagram in which the
reference can vary.

R P 5.2.8.7. Regulation of the field current (manual mode)


• This regulation is used to control the value of the field current directly. It is mainly used
during commissioning or as fallback mode if a measurement is incorrect on the AVR
(alternator voltage measurement or alternator current measurement for example).

• It takes priority over all the other regulation modes that might be active.

• To enable field current regulation, select the activation type from the drop-down list. This can
be:
• Controlled by a digital input (DI1 to DI8).
• Always enabled by selecting “Always active”.
• If “None” is selected, field current regulation is never enabled or is enabled by a logic
gate.

• The home reference point is determined either by a fixed value in the “Internal setpoint”
tab, or by an analog input, the source, type and range of which need to be set in the
“Setpoint from analog input” tab.

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• The “tracking” function, when switching from a regulation mode to manual mode, allows
the field current measurement to be used as a reference. This prevents any visible “jumps” of
the operating point of the machine. The reference can then be changed using the up and
down inputs.

Note: This function is only possible if the home reference point is fixed.

• If the “Analog input” option is selected, the “Reference via analog input” part becomes
active. Select the desired analog input box, determine its mode (+/-10 V, 0/10 V, 4-20 mA,
potentiometer) and the values at 0% and 100%. 14

Note: By moving the cursor, it is possible to view the corresponding value of the field current
reference (blue line) on the graph located on the right of the shape.

• With a fixed reference, the reference can be adjusted with 2 inputs (up and down), one
pulse corresponding to going up one “step” or down one “step”. Both the inputs, the value of
the step and the delay need to be fixed, and this adjustment is enabled by setting the
selector to “Active”.

14The minimum and maximum field current reference terminals can be swapped: the minimum field current limit for
100% of the analog input, and the maximum field current for 0% of the analog input.

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Digital voltage regulator D550

Note: The “+” and “-” inputs are the same for all regulation modes.

R P 5.2.9. Setting the PID gains


The quick configuration finishes on this page. If your D550 is connected, it is possible to
transfer the configuration to the AVR. If you wish to refine parameters which are not
accessible in quick configuration mode, click “Continue configuration in Customized
mode”.

• Set the various PID gains. Default values are always given in the fields.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• Regulation loop speed can be modified according to the response time of the generator,
between 2.5ms and 20ms by 2.5ms steps. If this value is modified, it will be necessary to adjust
PID gains.

• If alternator operation requires various load steps, whether adding and/or shedding (standalone
operation or parallel machine operation), it may be a good idea to select the “negative forcing”.
This function is used to invert the voltage at the exciter field terminals briefly in order to
minimize the time to recover the rated voltage to the rated voltage.

Alternator voltage

Without negative forcing

Reference

With negative forcing

Time

• If a shunt or AREP type field is being used, the power supply voltage depends directly on the
voltage at the alternator terminals. As a result, it can fluctuate with the load and therefore
influence the PID’s behavior. To compensate these fluctuations, it may be advisable to activate
the “VBus compensation” function. Below is an example of ramp starting with and without
compensation in the case of a shunt excitation:

Alternator voltage

Reference

With compensation
Without compensation
Time

• Click on the “Next” button.

P 5.2.10. I/O management


• Additional inputs can be configured on top of those used in the regulation configuration pages
(which are already shown greyed out).

• The analog inputs/outputs can be configured by defining the source, the configuration and the
0% and 100% values.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• The digital outputs/inputs can be configured by defining the source, the activation (active low
= closed if the condition is fulfilled, “active high” = output open if the condition is fulfilled). The
configured type is shown in the picture on the right of the screen (relay or transistor).

P 5.2.11. Curve functions


5.2.11.1. Overview
Curve functions are used to control a parameter as a function of another parameter. For
example:

• The kVAr reference as a function of the voltage during kVAr regulation


• The maximum stator current as a function of the stator temperature
• The maximum field current as a function of the temperature or an analog input
• The voltage reference as a function of the speed
• The field current as a function of the active power
• Specific scaling
• Etc.

Curve functions can be created.

For the curve function to work, the X and Y axis parameters need to be defined, as well as 5
points. These functions are active as soon as the curve is created.

The curve fields can be reset by clicking on the “Reset” button of each curve.

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5.2.11.2. Examples curve functions
• Reactive power reference as a function of the grid voltage for a 400 V machine.

Note: We can see that for a voltage value lower than the one defined at point “1” the power
reference is held at the value defined at point “1”. For a voltage value higher than the one
defined at point “5”, the reactive power reference is held at the value defined at point “5”.

• Field current reference as a function of the temperature measured at the stator (in our
example temperature 1). For a low temperature, increasing the field current is then
authorized.

P 5.2.12. User PID gain


This feature allows having an independent PID which can be used to regulate another component.

P 5.2.13. Logic/analog gates


5.2.13.1. Overview
Logic and analog gates are used for simple control with one or two inputs and one configurable
output by means of drop-down lists.

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Digital voltage regulator D550

The parameter lists can be enlarged by clicking at the bottom right of the list and holding down
until the desired size:

TIP: To select a parameter more quickly, you can enter its first few letters in the drop-down list.

The type of gate can be changed by clicking on the relevant gate. A pop-up menu then appears:

A maximum of 20 gates with 2 inputs can be used.


They can be linked in sequence (using an output gate as an input condition for another gate).
Digital “user” variables can be used as a gate input parameter in comparator mode.

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The following gates are available:

Gate type Representation Parameter type Truth table


E1 E2 S
0 0 0
AND Binary 0 1 0
1 0 0
1 1 1

E1 E2 S
0 0 0
OR Binary 0 1 1
1 0 1
1 1 1

E1 E2 S
0 0 0
Exclusive OR Binary 0 1 1
1 0 1
1 1 0

O
Decimal E1 and E2 E1<E2 0
COMPARATOR
Binary O E1=E2 0
E1>E2 1

E1 E2 S
0 0 S
SET-RESET Binary 0 1 0
1 0 1
1 1 O

On the rising edge of


SWITCHING Binary
I1, S changes state

E1 E2 S
E1 Binary 0 0 0
COPY
E2 and S Decimal 0 E2 0
1 E2 E2

Decimal E1 and E2
ADDITION S = E1 + E2
S Decimal

Decimal E1 and E2
SUBSTRACTION S = E1 - E2
S Decimal

Decimal E1 and E2
MULTIPLICATION S = E1 x E2
S Decimal

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Digital voltage regulator D550


Gate type Representation Parameter type Truth table

S = E1 / E2
Decimal E1 and E2
DIVISION
S Decimal S value is not changed
if E2 is null

Decimal E1 and E2
PERCENTAGE S = (E1/E2)*100
S Decimal

E1 Binary
E2 decimal (in S=1 if (E1=1 and tE2)
TEMPORIZATION
seconds) S=0 if E1=0 or t<E2
S Binary

The inputs and the output can be reversed in the case of AND, OR, EXCLUSIVE OR gates,
again using the gate pop-up menu. In this case a white circle symbolizes the reversal and the
gate equation is updated. Example below with the E1 input reversed on an AND gate:

A logic gate’s fields can be reset by using the gate pop-up menu and clicking “RESET”.

A help is available by clicking on the question mark, which brings up the truth table for the active
gate. This is an AND gate15.

5.2.13.2. Examples of gate programming


• Starting the AVR on power supply voltage threshold: as soon as the power is switched
on, the power supply voltage increases. A threshold should therefore be set above which the
ramp will be able to be executed. A user-defined variable is used.

The “COMPARATOR” gate is then chosen with the following variables:


• E1 “Internal power supply Volts”
• E2 “User variable 1”, set at 10 (DC bus 10 V)
• S “Starting”

15 Truth take into account any reversals configured on the gate.

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Digital voltage regulator D550

Note: The value of “User variable 1” depends on the voltage your field excitation
system can be provided by the residua magnetization. In our example we will put 10 V.

• VAr regulation for a load less than 10% of the rated power (connected to the grid): as
soon as the machine is connected to the grid, without a load being present, instabilities can
appear due to the stator current measurement interference. We therefore recommend kVAr
regulation if the active power is less than 10% of the alternator rated power.

The “COMPARATOR” gate is then chosen with the following variables:


• E1 “User variable 2”, set at 10 (10% reactive power)
• E2 “Real power percentage”
• S “VAR regulation”

• Pulsed Starting and Stopping: The regulation function is switched on by a maintained


input. As soon as this input changes state, field excitation is stopped. Pulsed starting and
stopping can be configured using a SET-RESET gate:

• E1 “DI1”, which sends the start pulse


• E2 “DI2”, which sends the stop pulse
• S “Starting”
The result is then as follows:

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P 5.2.14. Log event

For each selected event, the corresponding counter will be increased anytime it appears. In case
of an event, the excitation current is recorded.

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P 5.2.15. Second configuration
This function is usually known as the “50/60Hz switch function”, but it offers much more features
and flexibilities and is used to change a maximum of 16 parameters according to the state of a
logic input. Note that this second configuration will only be taken into account after restarting the
AVR.

• Choose the activation source of second configuration.

The activation of DI1 leads the switching to the second configuration and its deactivation brings
the regulation back to the base configuration.

Reminder: The switch is only taken into account at the regulation starting. Any activation
or deactivation when the regulator is in operation will be ignored.

• Select the parameters which will be affected when switching to that second configuration. In
the example above, we define a new frequency knee at 58Hz, a new voltage setpoint at 480V
and the V/Hz slope is set to 1.5.

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P 5.2.16. Synchronization
As long as the grid code voltage measurement is wired, the D550 is capable of running the grid
synchronization sequence. In this case, check that the phase order is correct since the D550 does
not do this.

The frequency, voltage and phase angle ranges must then be set. These must be complied with so
that connection can take place without damaging the machine.

The closing time of the circuit breaker between the alternator and the grid must also be configured.
This ensures that synchronization can be performed and completed before leaving of the
configured connection zone.

Voltage difference (V)

Voltage maximum difference

Frequency difference (Hz)

Acceptable connection zone

Voltage minimum difference

Frequency minimum difference Frequency maximum difference

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The synchronization sequence is controlled by a logic input or a parameter which is maintained in
active mode (controllable via communication or a logic gate).

The possible synchronization pulse remains active as long as the frequency difference and voltage
difference are in the range defined by the upper and lower limits. A signal should therefore be
provided for closing the grid connection contactor.

The frequency difference can be used to control an analog output to inform the genset controller (or
any other control device) that the driving system frequency needs to be increased or decreased. The
parameters should be set in the “I/O” page. An example for a frequency difference between -0.5 Hz
and +0.5 Hz is given below.

This corresponds to the following diagram:

AO1 analog output (V)


10 V

Frequency maximum difference

Frequency minimum difference


Frequency difference (Hz)

-10 V

Alternator slower than the grid Alternator faster than the grid

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P 5.2.17. Grid code
Grid code function allows activating one or several protections detect faults coming from the grid,
as LVRT events (Low Voltage Ride Through) or FRT (Fault Ride Through). These events can
damage the generator. 4 independent functions are embedded in the D550:

• Voltage support for detecting grid code faults


• Grid code profile monitoring
• Pole slipping monitoring
• Maximum stator current monitoring

It allows saving some parameters as well, as for example generator voltage measures, generator
current measures or internal angles.
This function is available when the option coder is mounted d and Easy Log module is wired.
5.2.17.1. Voltage support
This device is activated by selecting “Enable voltage support in PF mode”. A delay before
switching to voltage mode can be configured (in ms), as well as the voltage difference in
percentage of the rated grid voltage and the voltage difference in percentage of the rated grid
voltage.

These parameters allow the D550 to force the voltage regulation mode to support the grid by
absorbing the reactive power limited by the configured PQ profile (capability curve) or by
generating reactive power (with possible limitation) if the voltage measured at the alternator
terminals is outside the defined range. In the example below, there is a 10% difference:
Generator voltage measure

Voltage regulation (forced)

+10%

Generator PF, or VAR


Rated voltage
or grid PF regulation

-10%

Voltage regulation (forced)

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Status of this support can be affected to a logical output or used in logical functions. Below an
example with this fault addressed on output DO2 in “Inputs/Outputs page".

5.2.17.2. Grid code profile monitoring


This function is activated by selecting “Enable grid code profile monitoring". It’s also imperative
to fill in values of the profile, imposed by the grid code standard applied in the location where
the D550 is implemented. It allows monitoring that generator voltage is always at least greater
or equal to the value given in the profile, as soon as the grid code event is started. If the voltage
is lower than the value determined by the profile, the fault flag is activated.

The status of this monitoring can be affected to a logical output or used in a logical function.
Below an example with this fault addressed on DO2 in “Inputs/outputs” page.

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5.2.17.3. Stator current monitoring
This protection is activated by selecting “Enable I stator Max” and giving values for maximum
current hat the generator can withstand (in times of rated stator current). Such an over current
can occur when the grid recovers after a grid code fault, if the difference between angular
position of the rotor and electric angle is too high.

The measure of overcurrent is realized with a dedicated CT connected on “Grid code” CT input.
Values for the primary and the secondary have to be set in “Wiring” page. Hereunder is an
example with a coefficient set at “2".

Note: As the overcurrent is very fast, the fault status won’t be an auto reset fault.

The overcurrent status can be affected to an output or used in a logical function. Below, an
example with this fault affected on DO2 in “Inputs/outputs".

Grid code current measure

Maximum measure
8 times rated

Overcurrent status flag

5.2.17.4. Pole slipping monitoring


This detection is only possible if an encoder is installed and wired to the encoder input
on the EasyLog PS option connected to the D550.

This function is activated by selecting “Enable pole slipping detection” and giving values for the
different parameters:
• Alert angle value (in degrees)
• Maximum angle (in degrees)
• Encoder resolution (in points)
• Encoder offset
• Number of generator pole pairs

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The internal angle monitoring, when grid voltage is significantly reduced or lost, controls that the
generator internal angle does not exceed a defined value. Indeed, if the internal angle is shifted,
when the grid reappears, important mechanical and electrical damages can occur, and can lead
to destruction of some elements in the generator.
An auto-calibration function for pole slipping is also possible.

The pole slipping status can be affected to an output or used in a logical function.

5.3. Comparison window


This window is available by clicking on the button in the home page banner:

The “Comparison” is used to:

• Compare the D550 configuration with a file


• Click on the file 1 “…” button to select the configuration file.

• Click on the “Run the comparison between the AVR and the file” button.
• The modified parameters appear in the list below.

• Compare two configuration files


• Click on the file 1 “…” button to select the first configuration file.
• Click on the file 2 “…” button to select the second configuration file.
• Click on the “Compare” button on the right.

• The modified parameters appear in the list.

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5.4. Print reports
To obtain a of the configuration as a report is possible using “Print” button (this one is active only if
settings page is open). This report indicates configuration data of the regulator. A form is opened and
this report can be printed or/and exported in another format.

5.5. Excel Export


Configuration can be exported as an excel file by a click on the Save button arrow:

The file created contains each parameter with:


• Identifier (Id)
• Parameter name
• Minimum value
• Maximum value
• Value

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Digital voltage regulator D550


• Default value
• Unit
• CAN address
• Value type

Values in grey are “read only” access, others are in read/write.

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6. Maintenance instructions
6.1. Warning symbols for maintenance
See section safety chap 1.4.
Preventive maintenance on the D550 AVR should be performed with the alternator
stopped, and all power sources switched off and isolated.

6.2. Preventive maintenance instructions


During phases of alternator downtime for preventive maintenance, check that the wires are tight in the
connectors (tightening torque between 0.6 Nm and 0.8 Nm), blow dry air through to get rid of any dust
that may have settled on and around the D550. Special care should be taken to ensure free
circulation of air around the aluminum heatsink at the back of the device.
The D550 has a timer, accessible via parameter 254.008 (parameter 8 of menu 254) (in hours and
minutes). Keep an eye on the running time and if this exceeds 40,000 hours, consider changing the
AVR.

Note: This timer is only incremented every 10 minutes, and only if the voltage reference is
reached.

6.3. Anomalies and incidents


A number of anomalies can occur on the AVR which may lead to its replacement. The main faults are
listed in the table below:
ANOMALIES CAUSES REMEDIES RESTARTING
Voltage sensing fault Alternator sensing Replace faulty VT Stop the alternator and once the
VT broken faulty VT has been replaced,
restart the alternator

Internal Replace the AVR Replace the AVR as described


measurement broken in section 6.4

Excitation fault Faulty component or Replace the AVR Replace the AVR as described
opening of the field in section 6.4
excitation circuit
which caused a
voltage surge on the
transistor

24 VDC auxiliary supply External supply fault Replace the 24 VDC Stop the alternator and once the
fault power supply faulty power supply has been
replaced, restart the alternator

Voltage converter Replace the AVR Replace the AVR as described


fault in section 6.4

The AVR is not Microcontroller fault Replace the AVR Replace the AVR as described
responding (display in section 6.4
frozen, no
communication, etc.)

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ANOMALIES CAUSES REMEDIES RESTARTING
The regulation mode Faulty input Switch control of the Stop the alternator and once the
controlled by an input is regulation mode to new settings have been entered,
not active another input restart the alternator

Replace the AVR Replace the AVR as described


in section 6.4
The wiring is faulty Check that the input Restart the alternator
has been enabled by
shunting the 0 V and
the local input

The field excitation does Faulty starting input Switch control of Stop the alternator and once the
not start starting to another new settings have been entered,
input restart the alternator

The AVR power is Check the VBus Restart the alternator


not switched on voltage on the HMI

The 24 VDC power Check that the AVR is Restart the alternator
supply is faulty powered up by looking
at power LED

Regulation of the power The active power is Use kVAr mode for low Change the AVR settings and
factor is unstable too low to have a load regulation (less restart the alternator
correct power factor than 10% of rated
measurement load)

The stator current Check the CT wiring Restart the alternator


measurement is on the current
incorrect measurement input
and the CT

Replace the AVR if the Replace the AVR as described


wiring is correct in section 6.4

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Digital voltage regulator D550

6.4. Replacing a faulty AVR


These operations must be performed by qualified staff. See the warning symbols in
section 2.2.

To replace a faulty D550 AVR, proceed as follows:

• Stop the alternator if not already done.


• Switch off and electrically isolate the auxiliary supply and power supply and check
that no voltage is present.
• Carefully remove all the AVR connectors, noting their position.
• Undo all the AVR mounting brackets so it can be removed from its position.
• If you do not have the AVR configuration file and the D550 status allows it, import the configuration
from the faulty D550 using EasyReg Advanced and a USB cable.
• Still using the PC software, export the retrieved configuration to the new D550 AVR.
• Disconnect the D550 USB stick.
• Fix the new D550 in place of the faulty AVR.
• Reconnect all the connectors on the new AVR.
• Power up the auxiliary supply and check that the AVR is energized
• Start up the alternator drive system.
• Before exciting the alternator, check the alternator voltage measurement and power supply voltage
(VBus).
• Switch on the alternator excitation.
• Check all the AVR measurements and regulation modes, and any controlled outputs.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


7. Recycling instructions
LEROY-SOMER is committed to minimizing the environmental impacts of its manufacturing operations
and of its products throughout their life cycle. To this end, we operate an Environmental Management
System (EMS) which is certified to the International Standard ISO 14001.

The automatic voltage regulators manufactured by LEROY-SOMER and KATO ENGINEERING have the
potential to save energy and (through increased machine/process efficiency) reduce raw material
consumption and scrap throughout their long working lifetime. In typical applications, these positive
environmental effects far outweigh the negative impacts of product manufacture and end-of-life disposal.

Nevertheless, when the products eventually reach the end of their useful life, they must not be discarded
but should instead be recycled by a specialist recycler of electronic equipment. Recyclers will find the
products easy to dismantle into their major component parts for efficient recycling. Many parts snap
together and can be separated without the use of tools, while other parts are secured with conventional
fasteners. Virtually all parts of the product are suitable for recycling.

Product packaging is of good quality and can be re-used. Large products are packed in wooden crates;
while smaller products come in strong cardboard cartons which themselves have high recycled fiber
content. If not re-used, these containers can be recycled. Polythene, used on the protective film and
bags for wrapping product, can be recycled in the same way. When you will be preparing to recycle or
dispose of any product or packaging, please observe local legislation and best practice.

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Digital voltage regulator D550


8. APPENDIX
8.1. Vector permutations
If the alternator rotates in an anti-clockwise direction (non-standard direction of rotation), the following
vector permutations can be used to correct the resulting incorrect power and power factor
calculations.

It is therefore necessary to modify the D550 wiring. The table below gives the permutations
depending on the wiring used.

Alternator direction of Alternator voltage measurement


rotation
(a/c IEC 60034-1) AVR terminals U V W

Alternator phases (three-phase


U V W
measurement)
Alternator phases (phase/phase single-phase
Clockwise - V W
measurement)
Alternator phases (phase/phase single-phase
U - W
measurement)
Alternator phases (three-phase
W V U
measurement)
Alternator phases (phase/phase single-phase
Anti-clockwise - V U
measurement)
Alternator phases (phase/phase single-phase
W - U
measurement)

Position of Alternator voltage measurement Configuration


Alternator direction
stator current Current Voltage
of rotation
measurement AVR terminals U V W measurement measurement
(a/c IEC 60034-1) type type
CT
Three-phase U V W GEN_U U-V-W

Clockwise Single-phase VW - V W GEN_U V-W

Single-phase UW U - W GEN_U U-W


Phase U
Three-phase U W V GEN_U U-V-W

Anti-clockwise Single-phase VW - W V GEN_U V-W

Single-phase UW W - V GEN_U U-W

Three-phase U V W GEN_V U-V-W

Clockwise Single-phase VW - V W GEN_V V-W

Single-phase UW U - W GEN_V U-W


Phase V
Three-phase W V U GEN_V U-V-W

Anti-clockwise Single-phase VW V U GEN_V V-W

Single-phase UW W U GEN_V U-W

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Digital voltage regulator D550


Position of Alternator voltage measurement Configuration
Alternator direction
stator current Current Voltage
of rotation
measurement AVR terminals U V W measurement measurement
(a/c IEC 60034-1) type type
CT
Three-phase W U V GEN_U U-V-W

Clockwise Single-phase VW U V GEN_U V-W

Single-phase UW W V GEN_U U-W


Phase W
Three-phase W V U GEN_U U-V-W

Anti-clockwise Single-phase VW V U GEN_U V-W

Single-phase UW W U GEN_U U-W

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Digital voltage regulator D550


8.2. AVR regulation mode priority

Field excitation
switched on? yes

Is field current
Field current
regulation yes
regulation
active?

no

Is the mains
yes
contactor closed?

Is grid PF
Grid PF
regulation yes
regulation
active?

no

Is kVAr
regulation yes kVAR regulation
no
active?

no

Machine PF
no
regulation

Is the voltage
match circuit yes Voltage match circuit
active?

no

Is voltage
regulation yes Voltage regulation
active?

no
Field current regulation

End

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110
Service & Support

Our worldwide service network of over 80 facilities is at your service.


This local presence is our guarantee for fast and efficient repair, support and
maintenance services.
Trust your alternator maintenance and support to electric power generation experts.
Our field personnel are 100% qualified and fully trained to operate in all environments
and on all machine types.
We have a deep understanding of alternator operation, providing the best value
service to optimise your cost of ownership.
Where we can help:
Design
•Consulting & specification
•Maintenance
contracts

Life Extension
•Reconditioning Start-up
•System upgrade
•Commissioning
•Training

Optimisation
•Monitoring Operation
•System audit •Genuine spare parts
•Repair services

Contact us:
Americas: +1 (507) 625 4011
Europe & Rest of the world: +33 238 609 908
Asia Pacific: +65 6250 8488
China: +86 591 88373036
India: +91 806 726 4867
Middle East: +971 4 5687431 Scan the code or go to:

service.epg@leroy-somer.com www.lrsm.co/support
www.leroy-somer.com/epg

Linkedin.com/company/leroy-somer
Twitter.com/Leroy_Somer_en
Facebook.com/LeroySomer.Nidec.en
YouTube.com/LeroySomerOfficiel

5744 en - 2021.02 / c
D550 FIRMWARE – VERSION 1.2.7

D550 is a digital automatic voltage regulator (AVR) for 3 phase industrial alternators that provides
excitation current up to 7 A for SHUNT, permanent magnet (PMG) or AREP (auxiliary winding) excitation
types.

Current firmware version: Version 1.2.7 / 2021.01

Release notes
New features

- Rotating direction check and associated fault


- Phases order check for synchrocoupler
- Energy counters
- New simplified customer menu for measurement readings (Menu 0)
- J1939 PGN for energy counters
- J1939 PGN for regulation/limitation information
- Canbus Read/Write string parameter type
- PSS function

Improvements

- Factory setting function with optimized parameters.


- Excitation chain fault detection improvement.
- Loss of sensing fault detection improvement.
- Unbalance fault detection improvement.
- FFT on excitation current measurement improvement.
- CanBus general communication improvement.
- Overheating limitation management if product is powered by USB alone.

Installation instructions
This new firmware can be uploaded directly to the D550 by using the EasyReg Advanced application.
Please contact technical support at service.epg@leroy-somer.com for further information.

Moteurs Leroy-Somer
Siege social : Boulevard Marcellin Leroy CS 10015 - 16915 Angoulême cedex 9 - France
SAS au capital de 38 679 664 € - RCS Angoulême 338 567 258

Ref 5803 en - 2021.01 / b

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